September 23, 2018

PITTSBURGH – County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker joined borough officials and residents yesterday afternoon to formally announce that the Borough of Bradford Woods has been designated a Live Well Allegheny Community.

“Bradford Woods is well known for following best practices and consistently seeking ways to better its community for the benefit of its residents, and yesterday’s designation is keeping in line with that reputation,” said Fitzgerald. “Congratulations to President Coltharp and all of council and, more importantly, to the residents of Bradford Woods for this focus on health and wellness for the borough.”

Bradford Woods’ Council adopted an ordinance committing to meeting the goals of the campaign and to partnering with Allegheny County and the Live Well Allegheny initiative on July 9, 2018. In that legislation, the borough committed to sustain outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities, to support farmers markets and community supported agriculture, to encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, and to promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters.

“With yesterday’s announcement, there are now six communities in Council District 2 which have committed to improving the health and wellness of Allegheny County residents,” said county Council Member Cindy Kirk, District 2 Representative. “As a nurse, I wholeheartedly support initiatives that allow residents to make healthy choices and improve their own wellness and thank Bradford Woods’ Council for making this a priority in their community.

The borough has also resolved to share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community via websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this announcement, and it’s great to see that yet another community has committed to making health a top priority for its residents,” said Hacker. “For those communities that haven’t earned the Live Well designation, doing so is easy, and we encourage you to apply.”

The announcement took place during Bradford Woods’ Community Day, an event that featured live music, activities, food and presentations and included a number of community organizations, giving residents an opportunity to become involved and engaged.

“Bradford Woods is honored to participate in the Live Well Allegheny program,” said Charles Coltharp, Council President. “With our convenient access to recreational areas and fresh grown, local food, we hope to help all of our residents ‘live well.’”

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and Dr. Hacker.

The Live Well Allegheny campaign now includes 61 communities, 46 restaurants, 24 workplaces and 14 school districts. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.