Category Archives: Live Well Community

Healthy Streets Dormont

During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has been challenged to think differently. The Borough of Dormont, a Live Well Allegheny Community, is doing just that with the implementation of the Healthy Streets Dormont Project.

Residents organized a petition and made a presentation to council to create safer outdoor spaces for walking, biking, or cycling with less interference from traffic and provide room for people to get outside and keep at least 6 feet from others. The Healthy Streets Dormont Project launched on June 8. It will run through June 30 and then.

During this time, Grandin Avenue and Memorial Drive will be open to only local traffic and deliveries. The Dormont Pool parking lot is also closed to traffic except one row of parking for park users. There are signs around the streets and parking lot to explain the closures.

“We saw an opportunity for the borough to be flexible and creative in light of the changing needs of our residents during the COVID-19 shutdown,” said Jen Mazzocco, Vice President of the Dormont Borough Council. “People were going out in their neighborhoods more often to get some exercise and a break from the indoors. Many of us witnessed our neighbors using the streets to give social distancing space to others they passed, so when we saw the presentation, we thought it could possibly be a way to make outdoor physical activity easier and safer during a time when that was so important to our community’s physical and mental wellbeing.”

The pilot is just in its beginning stages, but the council is already looking at the advantages of the program and gathering information on whether to expand it. The Traffic, Parking, and Planning Commission has been tasked with creating a more sustainable, comprehensive plan for the program.

“I’d love to see a network of ‘healthy’ streets that cross the borough and help create safer paths to our park, pool and business district as well as provide more open space for those who don’t live close to those places. That will require a lot more data and planning, and we are hoping the pilot gives us some good information to start that process,” Mazzocco said.

Dormont encourages and welcomes all ideas and feedback for the program. More information about the program can be found on the Borough of Dormont website: http://boro.dormont.pa.us/healthy-streets-dormont/

Three Additional Members Join the Live Well Initiative

September 3, 2019

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced the addition of three Live Well Allegheny members, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Tarentum Borough and Jump with Jill. There are now 193 community partners, 68 municipalities, 51 restaurants, 33 workplaces and 18 school districts participating in the campaign that have chosen to make health a priority in Allegheny County.

Earlier today County Executive Rich Fitzgerald presented the United Way with its official Live Well designation during a lunchtime walk that was organized by the workplace’s Wellness Committee as part of the Spark Pittsburgh Step Challenge.

“Today was a great day to continue our walk towards a healthier county with the new United Way of Southwestern PA CEO Bobbi Watt Geer and staff,” said Fitzgerald. “The organization is the latest recipient of the Live Well Allegheny Workplace designation. Group walks, like today’s walk from the United Way’s offices in the Strip District to the Courthouse and back, are just one way they’re working together to be a healthier organization. Step by step, we’re on our way to a healthier Allegheny County.”

Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny members:

Live Well Allegheny Workplace

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will provide healthy cafeteria options, healthy food options during company meetings and functions and a private area for use by breastfeeding employees. The organization has also promised access to an on-site area for exercise classes and physical activity, to locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails and to provide standing desks for their employees. Additionally, the United Way will allow and encourage paid time off for employees to have preventive cancer screenings, create and sponsor employee athletic teams and activities, and insure employees have access to comprehensive health insurance.

“The United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community we serve, and that includes our employee team,” said Bobbi Watt Geer, President & CEO of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “We are committed to promoting employee health and well-being through our Wellness Committee’s coordination of year-round activities. I am proud that we live our values and mission at the United Way.”

Live Well Allegheny Community

The Tarentum Borough will promote physical activity by encouraging walking and bike riding and by developing indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities. The borough will promote and support farmers’ markets, encourage involvement with community volunteer activities and promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters. Tarentum will also utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“I applaud Tarentum for making a commitment to improving the health and wellness of residents,” said County Council Vice President Nick Futules, who also represents District 7. “They are also taking action to improve access to fresh and healthy food and physical activity, and to reducing tobacco use and smoking rates within the municipality.”

Live Well Allegheny Community Partner

Jump with Jill activates community outreach by holding a live rock and roll show that informs the audience about the benefits of health and nutrition. The group has performed the show 3,500 times for over a million kids across six countries.

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. 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.

Two Communities, One Workplace and One Restaurant Earn Live Well Allegheny Status

June 4, 2019

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Health Department announced the addition of two communities, Richland Township and the Edgeworth Borough, one workplace, Pashek+MTR, and one restaurant, Arnold’s Coffee & Tea, as the four newest members of the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Now participating are 66 communities, 50 restaurants, 32 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

“We are delighted to see municipalities, restaurants, workplaces and school districts continue to make commitments to the Live Well Allegheny campaign five years after its launch,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “To me, it reinforces the fact that the campaign continues to gain traction and that more and more people in our community are focused on making this a healthier county. Congratulations to our newest participants, and if you’re not already part of the campaign, please consider joining us.”

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive 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 ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

“We are very pleased to report that more than half of the 130 municipalities in Allegheny County are now making health a top priority for their residents,” said Dr. Hacker. “We urge all municipalities, restaurants, workplaces, school districts and community partners that have not yet earned the Live Well designation to apply today. Making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation will require that all residents have opportunities for healthy living – that’s what Live Well Allegheny is all about.”

Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

Live Well Allegheny Communities

Richland Township will develop walking maps and encourage multi-modal transportation through facilities and policies that promote walking and bike riding. The township will also promote and support farmers’ markets, promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters, and utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

Edgeworth Borough will advertise and share information regarding local farmers’ markets and wellness campaign events and incorporate health and wellness-related information into regular borough communications, such as social media and the quarterly newsletter. The borough will also encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, encourage smoke free buildings and perimeters, and continue to hold quarterly meetings with employees to discuss health, safety, and wellness in the workplace.

“As a nurse I wholeheartedly support initiatives that encourage residents to make healthy choices and improve their own wellness,” said County Council Member Cindy Kirk, representing District 2. “I couldn’t be happier to learn that two additional communities in my district have joined Live Well Allegheny, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.”

Live Well Allegheny Workplace

Pashek+MTR will provide its staff with bicycles and access to secure bicycle storage, space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain, and easy-to-access information about local programs and opportunities for physical fitness, community health related events, and farmers markets. The organization will also support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours and meetings and will offer employees flex hours to allow for physical or wellness activity. In addition, it will establish and communicate a tobacco-free workplace policy that includes cessation resources for employees.

Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

Arnold’s Coffee & Tea will offer half portions on select menu items, vegetarian or vegan fare options, low-calorie salad dressings and healthy side dishes. It will also eliminate trans-fat oils in cooking, be smoke-free, and promote healthier beverage options. Arnold’s Coffee & Tea’s Chef Claudy started the EAT Initiative, a non-profit organization, which has also joined Live Well Allegheny as a community partner. Its vision is to help feed and sustain food insecure communities by hosting hands-on cooking demonstrations and career development via hospitality training focused in food vulnerable families.

Health Department Announces the Addition of Three Live Well Allegheny Partners

May 9, 2019

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the municipality of Bethel Park has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign as both a community and school district, and the Perch at Pitt has joined the effort as the newest Live Well restaurant. Now participating are 64 communities, 49 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

“We have always been most successful in this region when we work together, and striving for a healthier county is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It will take all of us, collaboratively, to have an impact and we are grateful to the elected officials in Bethel Park, the administrators at the Bethel Park School District, and the management of Perch at Pitt in committing to helping us meet those goals.”

“It’s great to see another three entities make the choice to improve the health and well-being of its community members, students and patrons,” said Dr. Hacker. “We look forward to working with these groups as we strive to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. If you haven’t already applied to join the Live Well effort, we encourage you to do so today.”

Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

Live Well Allegheny Community & School District

The Municipality of Bethel Park will promote and support farmers markets, develop walking maps and accessible outdoor wellness trails and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities. The municipality will also provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events and utilize websites and social media to promote physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation and other health and wellness related initiatives. The community also announced the creation of the Live Well Allegheny Bethel Park Speaker’s series that is a health education program that will take place at the community center each month.

The Bethel Park School District has committed to improve the wellness of students, faculty, staff, parents and families through a coordinated effort with their Wellness Committee and Curriculum Department to promote proper nutrition, exercise and fitness activities, well-being, and education. Activities include running clubs for elementary school students, an activity club before the school day begins and yoga sessions in schools.

“I am very pleased that Bethel Park, both as a community and school district, has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “Eating right and exercising is the formula for happy healthy residents.”

Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

The Perch at Pitt has will eliminate trans-fat oils in their cooking and offer low calorie options, half portions, and vegetarian/vegan fare on its menu. The restaurant will also offer whole grains as an alternate to white rice, whole grain bread as an alternate to white bread, and low-fat milk (1% or skim) as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. The Perch will provide calorie counts and other nutritional information for customers.

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. 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.

Health Department Announces Five Additional Live Well Allegheny Partners

April 9, 2019

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced the addition of five partners to the Live Well Allegheny campaign: Baldwin Township, the South Allegheny School District, the Community College of Allegheny County, the Oncology Nursing Society and For Good PGH. Now participating in the initiative are 63 communities, 48 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 17 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

“I’m excited each time we add another partner to the Live Well Allegheny program because it means there are more of working collaboratively to improve our collective health in this county,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Staying healthy isn’t just about physical health, but emotional and mental health too. Being in good health transfers to many other areas of life too, which strengthens our communities. It’s a win-win for everyone who is involved.”

“We all must work together and set health as the top priority if we want to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation,” said Dr. Hacker. “We are very pleased to announce the latest group of Live Well partners and look forward to the work they will do in the community, at its schools and in the workplace. For those that haven’t joined the campaign, we encourage you apply today.”

Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

Live Well Allegheny Community

Developing walking maps and indoor and outdoor wellness trails that will be accessible to residents of all abilities are just a few of the plans proposed by Baldwin Township. The township will also promote and support farmers’ markets, encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters, and provide health information to its residents via the township’s website and social media channels.

“It’s great to see that another municipality in my district has earned the Live Well Allegheny designation,” said John Palmiere, the County Council Member representing District 6. “I commend Baldwin Township for taking action to improve the health of their residents.”

Live Well Allegheny School District

The South Allegheny School District will sell snacks that meet the Smart Snack requirements, offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables at meals, participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and post menus on the school webpage which offer the nutritional value of meal items. The district has also resolved to improve and expand the physical education curriculum and course offerings, add physical activity opportunities outside of physical education class, and evaluate and continually update the district’s wellness policy.

“I am so pleased that South Allegheny is the newest Live Well Allegheny School District, and I appreciate the leadership the district is taking to improve the health of their students,” said Council Member Robert Macey, who is the County Council Member representing District 9 in which South Allegheny is located.

Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

The Oncology Nursing Society has committed to provide standing desks for its employees, healthy food options during company meetings and functions, a bicycle storage area in a safe and convenient location, flex work hours to allow for opportunities for physical or wellness activity, and access to on-site fitness center or conference room for physical activity. It has also resolved to establish and communicate a tobacco-free workplace policy, and to develop a policy that supports breastfeeding employees and allows them flexibility to pump at work in a designated, private area. Additional plans include conducting fitness classes on site, promoting weight-loss competitions, and reminding employees of the importance of regular check-ups, physical examinations, and health screenings.

For Good PGH will provide space for a workplace garden, supporting stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours, and making health and wellness educational resources available to employees. It will also provide healthy food options and access to water and will remind employees of the importance of regular check-ups and health screenings. For Good PGH will also offer employees flex work hours to allow for opportunities for physical or wellness activity and will develop a policy that supports breastfeeding employees.

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) will create an employee wellness committee that will have leadership participation as well as representatives from various programs or departments. The workplace will also promote weight-loss competitions and other group events, establish and communicate a tobacco-free workplace policy, provide access to an on-site fitness area for physical activity, and locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths.

Four New Live Well Allegheny Partners Announced

January 29, 2019

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced the addition of the Municipality of Penn Hills, Avonworth School District, Grounded Strategies and the Azorean Café as the four newest partners in the Live Well Allegheny campaign.

“When this campaign was announced five years ago, we hoped to see it catch on and to have more and more organizations, agencies and workplaces embrace its goals,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Today’s numbers include 62 municipalities, 48 restaurants, 28 workplaces and 16 school districts. We are grateful for all of our partners and look forward to continuing to grow the campaign on our way to making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the country.”

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.

“We are very pleased to announce that four additional partners have committed to making health a priority in Allegheny County,” said ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Almost half of our municipalities have joined the cause, but there is room for all. We encourage your community to join the Live Well effort if they haven’t already done so.”

Following is more information about the latest group of Live Well Allegheny partners:

Live Well Allegheny Community

The Municipality of Penn Hills will develop indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities, encourage walking and bike riding in the community, and implement events that encourage active living. Penn Hills will also promote smoke-free buildings, encourage physical recreation programs in the community, and utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“I congratulate Penn Hills on their designation as the newest Live Well Allegheny community, and I appreciate their leadership in taking action to improve the health and wellness of residents,” said Council Vice President Nick Futules, who is the County Council Member representing District 7 in which Penn Hills is located.

Live Well Allegheny School District

The Avonworth School District will by offer unlimited fruit or vegetables at all meals, and will support local farmers as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) a pick-up site. The school district will also encourage physical activity among students by hosting a 5k run in the spring and offer exercise opportunities after school. Additionally, Avonworth will offer health and physical education classes and social skills education through counseling programs.

“We are thrilled that the Avonworth School District will officially become a part of this important healthy movement, and we applaud the efforts of Superintendent Ralston and the entire team at Avonworth for these proactive and important efforts,” said Tom Baker, District 1 County Council Member which includes the Avonworth School District.

Live Well Allegheny Workplace

Grounded Strategies will promote physical activity among employees by providing access to an area for exercise classes and physical activity on-site and will offer employees flexible work hours in exchange for physical or wellness activity before, during, and after work. The workplace will remind employees of importance of regular check-ups and health screenings and will also provide easy-to-access information about local programs and opportunities for physical fitness, community health related events, and farmers markets. In addition, organizational leaders will institute a healthy food policy, alongside a policy that supports breast feeding employees.

Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

The Azorean Cafe will provide vegetarian fare and half portions on select menu items, healthy side dishes and beverage options, and low-calorie salad dressings. The restaurant will also eliminate trans-fat oils and use plant-based oils in their cooking. The café is also smoke-free and provides a location to store bicycles.

Five Additional Live Well Allegheny Partners Announced!

November 28, 2018

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced another five partners have joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Additional partners include three workplaces, Giant Eagle, Auberle, and Focus on Renewal, one school district, the Cornell School District, and one restaurant, Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar.

“It’s very encouraging to see more partners continuing to commit to improving the health of their employees, students and patrons, and we welcome these five additional members to the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Now participating in the campaign are 61 communities, 47 restaurants, 27 workplaces and 15 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County. To make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation, it takes a group effort, so we encourage you to apply to earn the Live Well designation if you haven’t already done so.”

Following is more information on the newest members:

Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

Through a variety of initiatives, Giant Eagle is promoting physical activity and nutrition for its employees across its offices, retail support centers and area stores. The company’s efforts range from ongoing wellness challenges that provide incentives for achieving specific wellness goals to health counseling focused on physical activity, smoking cessation and weight management.

Focus on Renewal has committed to provide access to an on-site fitness area, standing desks for employees and a space for a workplace garden. Not only will Focus on Renewal organize fitness classes on site, they will offer employee opportunities for physical/wellness activity before, during, and after work.

In addition to Auberle‘s annual Employee Wellness Program, the workplace has committed to provide healthy options in the cafeteria, in vending machines, and in meetings. Auberle will promote physical activity by organizing fitness classes on site, offer a discount to health-clubs and fitness membership, and encourage employees to participate in athletic activities. Auberle also provides paid time off for employees to have preventive care and cancer screenings and has created an Employee Wellness Committee.

Live Well Allegheny School District

The Cornell School District will improve the health of their students with a commitment to a comprehensive healthy school’s program. Cornell will offer fresh fruit and vegetables at all meals, promote water drinking, and provide 2% milk and chocolate milk instead of whole milk. The district will also utilize websites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar will promote healthy choices by providing smaller-sized sugar-sweetened beverage options, low calorie salad dressing, and vegetarian fare and healthy side dishes. In addition, Eighty Acres Kitchen and Bar will eliminate trans-fat oils and use plant-based oils for cooking instead.

Released over the summer, the 2018 Community Impact Report: Creating Health in Every Space details how Live Well Allegheny works with partners to create opportunities for health in every space—where Allegheny County residents live, learn, work, and eat.

Bradford Woods Formally Designated a Live Well Allegheny Community

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.

Two Additional Live Well Allegheny Partners Join the Initiative

September 7, 2018

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the Township of Upper St. Clair has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community and Greater Valley Community Services has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Workplace, adding two more partners to the county’s Live Well Allegheny campaign.

“Over the past four years, we have seen substantial buy-in and investment by hundreds of partners into the idea of becoming a healthier county,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We are grateful that so many people have come to the table to think about how to make recreational opportunities and other health-related offerings available in their community, workplace, school or restaurant. This initiative is only going to continue to grow and, together,
we will create a healthier Allegheny County.”

“We are very encouraged to see more and more partners in our county join the Live Well Allegheny initiative, and we are excited to welcome the Township of Upper Saint Clair and Greater Valley Community services to the campaign,” said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Now participating are 60 communities, 46 restaurants, 24 workplaces and 14 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County. But there is room for all, and we encourage you to apply for the Live Well designation if you haven’t already done so.”

Live Well Allegheny Community

The Township of Upper St. Clair will support the health of its residents by developing indoor and outdoor wellness trails, which will be accessible to residents of all abilities, and by supporting their local farmers markets. The township will also promote smoke-free buildings, perimeters, and parks, provide recreational opportunities for all ages, and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities.

“It’s great to see that another municipality in my district has earned the Live Well Allegheny designation,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “I commend the Township of Upper Saint Clair for putting together a plan to promote the health and well-being of its residents, and I look forward to seeing the results.”

Live Well Allegheny Workplace

Greater Valley Community Services will support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours and meetings, locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails, and create employee athletic teams and activities. They have also resolved to provide healthy food options, promote tobacco cessation, and create an Employee Wellness Committee.

Released in the past month, the 2018 Community Impact Report: Creating Health in Every Space to learn how Live Well Allegheny works with its partners to create opportunities for health in every space – where Allegheny County residents live, learn, work, and eat.

Health Department Announces Five New Live Well Allegheny Designations

June 14, 2018

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced five new members to the Live Well Allegheny campaign, including one community, two restaurants and two workplaces. Now participating in the campaign are 59 communities, 44 restaurants, 18 workplaces and 14 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

“When this program was first introduced, we hoped that it would quickly gather steam and that we would see more and more organizations involved in these efforts,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “I’m thrilled to see that there are five more entities that are partnering with us to improve the health of our community and am grateful for this shared vision.”

Live Well Allegheny Community

The Borough of Aspinwall has resolved to promote and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities, including the utilization of web sites and social medial to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“I’m very pleased that an additional community in my district, the borough of Aspinwall, has earned the Live Well Allegheny status,” said Anita Prizio, the County Council Member representing District 3. “I look forward to seeing the borough implement its plans and how the community members respond to these great initiatives.”

Live Well Allegheny Restaurants

Eggs N’at Diner will offer vegetarian fare options, healthy side dishes, and half portions on select menu items. They have also resolved to use plant based oils for cooking and baking.

Parkhurst Dining on the campus of Chatham University will provide low-calorie salad dressings and healthy side dishes, and will use plant based oils for cooking and baking. Additionally, they will offer vegetarian and vegan fare options, brown rice and other whole grains, and low-fat milk as an alternate to cream for hot beverages.

Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

Vanadium Woods Village will provide healthy cafeteria and vending options, a private area for employees to breastfeed, and access to water fountains, water dispensers, and water coolers. Vanadium Woods Village will also ensure well-lit, safe stairwells, and access to an on-site space for physical activity. In addition, the workplace will locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails for its employees, provide access to a secure bicycle storage area, provide standing/walking desks, and provide a space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain.

Heritage Valley Health System (Sewickley) will provide healthy options in the cafeteria, vending machines, and during work meetings, and will issue health and wellness educational resources to employees. To encourage physical activity, Heritage Valley will promote weight-loss competitions or events, provide access to an on-site area for physical activity, and locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths. Additionally, Heritage Valley will promote tobacco cessation through support groups, resources, and services, and will highlight success stories of employees who have successfully quit smoking, lost weight, or achieved personal health goals.

“It’s exciting to welcome five more members to the Live Well family,” said ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “This new group is committed to making health a top priority and will implement great plans for its citizens, employees and patrons. If you haven’t yet earned the Live Well Allegheny designation, we urge you to apply now.”

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participating workplaces can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.