Category Archives: Live Well Community

Live Well Allegheny Welcomes Four Municipalities, Phipps Conservatory

April 11, 2017

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Borough of Bellevue, Borough of Sharpsburg, Borough of East McKeesport, and the City of Duquesne were designated as Live Well Allegheny Communities and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplace.

“I’m thrilled to see the Live Well Allegheny program continue to grow and expand,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “With today’s announcement, we now have 41 municipalities, 10 school districts, 35 restaurants – some having multiple locations, and 10 workplaces all committed to working together to improve the health and wellness of county residents. What’s even more excited is that we have room to welcome even more and encourage residents to learn more about the initiative.”

The Borough of Bellevue committed to action steps intended to improve the health of residents including promotion of wellness campaign events to employees and residents, developing indoor and outdoor wellness trails that are accessible to residents of all abilities and to offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work. In addition, Bellevue will promote healthier options in vending machines with nutrient content listed and promote smoke-free building and perimeters.

“It is so exciting to see more and more communities and workplaces join our Live Well Allegheny effort,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “We are committed to engaging all 130 municipalities in this effort and we are well on our way. With this announcement, we have 41 Live Well Allegheny Communities. These efforts to surround citizens with healthy options can make a big difference in the health of our County.”

The Borough of Sharpsburg committed to several action steps in order to become designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community. The municipality will promote participation of employees and residents in wellness campaign events and activities. Sharpsburg is committed to multi-modal transportation for residents by providing facilities or adopting policies that encourage walking and bicycling. In addition, the community will disseminate health information about physical activity, nutrition, and smoking cessation using websites and social media and support local farmers’ markets and smoke-free spaces.

The Borough of East McKeesport has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community for committing to the health of residents. The community will utilize social media tools as a way of communicating health messages and promote participation in wellness events. East McKeesport intends in developing walking maps as well as indoor and outdoor wellness trails, which are accessible to residents of all abilities. The borough will provide employees incentives to walk or bike to work as a way to promote multimodal transportation and also host an OpenStreets event on June 3rd, 11am-2pm. The community will support farmers’ markets and work with vending machine companies to add healthy food options. Smoke-free environments are a priority for the borough as well.

The City of Duquesne joins the Live Well Allegheny campaign by committing to partner with the Steel Valley Trail Council to promote the use of the trail by city residents as well as apply for funding to improve pedestrian and bicyclist access to the trail system. Duquesne will also promote and support farmers’ markets by partnering with the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and promote smoke-free buildings, playgrounds and perimeters.

The newest Live Well Allegheny Workplace, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, PA) has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign as part of a workplace wellness program that started in 2013. Its mission is to provide opportunities for employees to engage in physical activity, attend educational classes on health and wellness and to access information on health and wellness during the work day. As part of its commitment, Phipps will expand their employee wellness program including the addition of on-site yoga and employee fitness center, expand programs which work within local communities such as Homegrown and Let’s Move Pittsburgh, Map a safe walking route starting and ending from the workplace or in vicinity and set up a walking group mid-day.

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with 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.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Steel Valley School District, Seven Mon Valley Communities Commit to Live Well Allegheny

February 28, 2017

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Steel Valley School District is the latest school district to be designated as a Live Well Allegheny School and that the Township of Elizabeth, Borough of Glassport, City of McKeesport, Borough of Munhall, Borough of Port Vue, Borough of West Homestead and Borough of Whitaker are the newest Live Well Allegheny Communities.

“This is exciting news,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “These communities have always been known for their willingness and ability to work together to benefit their residents, and I have no doubt that their involvement with the Live Well Allegheny campaign will help those Mon Valley communities, and their citizens.”

The Steel Valley School District passed a board resolution committing to Live Well Allegheny and has  pledged to make a commitment to a comprehensive healthy schools program, offer fresh fruits and vegetables at all meals and provide 2% milk instead of whole milk, utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management tobacco cessation and other health and wellness initiatives, and promote drinking water.

Four of the Mon Valley communities are part of County Council District 9. The Township of Elizabeth, Borough of Glassport, Borough of Munhall and Borough of Port Vue are all encouraging participation in voluntary wellness campaigns for employees and residents, promoting smoke free buildings and perimeters and develop walking maps and outdoor wellness trails that are available to residents. Elizabeth Township recently was also awarded silver certification as part of the Sustainable Community Development Network.  

“We are excited to welcome our new school and community partners to the Live Well family” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “It is very rewarding to see the continuing momentum we have in our efforts to build healthier communities and improve the opportunities for our residents”

Part of County Council District 11, the City of McKeesport will promote recreational programming that encourages physical activity, designation of smoke-free children’s play areas in partnership with Tobacco Free Allegheny, further development of the William Lickert Jr. Memorial Walking Trail in Renziehausen Park, and utilization of the city’s web site and social media to increase awareness of wellness opportunities offered. The Borough of West Homestead has committed to sharing wellness information, developing walking maps, encouraging multi-modal transportation, promoting farmers’ markets, promoting smoke free buildings and perimeters, and utilizing web sites and social media to provide wellness information.

In County Council District 8, the Borough of Whitaker committed to share wellness information with residents, encourage involvement with community and volunteer activities and to promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters.

The communities are also in the footprint for participation in the Live Well Allegheny Mon Valley Initiative that is supported with funding from the Jefferson Regional Foundation.  Its key objectives include increasing the number of people with access to smoke-free and tobacco-free environments, healthy food and beverage options, and physical activity opportunities. Partners include the Allegheny Health Network, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, the Steel Valley Council of Governments, the Human Services Center Corporation, Tobacco Free Allegheny, Just Harvest, Allegheny County Economic Development and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with 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.

Live Well Allegheny was launched by the County Executive in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Dr. Karen Hacker.

Township of Pine and Four Employers Commit to Live Well Allegheny

January 19, 2017

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Township of Pine is the latest community to be designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community and Adagio Health, Babb, Inc., No Crayon Left Behind, and the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania are the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplaces.

The Township of Pine committed to action steps intended to improve the health of residents. Information about wellness events and volunteer activities are shared with the community to encourage the voluntary participation of residents. The community also promotes smoke-free buildings and perimeters. The Township of Pine will encourage physical activity by developing wellness facilities and programs accessible to all residents of all abilities and creating walking maps that measure the distance and encourage residents to meet goals and will encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding.

Adagio Health (Pittsburgh, PA) committed to the following action steps to be designated as a Live Well Workplace: providing healthy food options during company meetings and functions including fruits and vegetables as well as gluten-free options, offering vending machines with healthy food options and water coolers are accessible on every floor of the office. Adagio Health is a tobacco, smoke-free environment and offers smoking cessation programs through their employee benefits program. The organization is also a proponent of breast feeding and they allow employees to pump at work in designated, private areas. Employees are offered comprehensive and affordable health insurance, which includes free dental and eye coverage, and all preventative co-pays are free. They also encourage employees to use the well-lit stairwells instead of elevators.

Babb, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) has been designated as a Live Well Workplace by committing the several action steps including strong leadership support, the company offers a robust wellness program for employees such as annual health risk assessments, weigh-ins, condition management programs, and biometric screenings. The office is equipped with a relaxation room with monthly chair massages, an on-site fitness center, and healthy snacks provided through the SnakWell Initiative. Babb, Inc. is developing a safe walking routes map for employees, encourages the use of stairs through visible prompts, and offers a membership to a local spinning/yoga studio. The company provides comprehensive health insurance with vision and dental care as well as employee flex hours for wellness activities. The organization also provides opportunities for financial wellness, tuition reimbursement for continuing education credits, and the Babb Gives Back program to support the Northside community.

No Crayon Left Behind (Sewickley, PA) has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including provide a water dispenser for hot and cold water that is available to employees. The workplace also encourages the use standing desks, provides a communal fridge stocked with fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses that is for everyone at the office. In addition, the organization will bring in big batches of salad to keep in the fridge for employees to eat during the week. Walking meetings are used both as physical activity and stress relief. Employees are also encouraged to take breaks for stretching during the work day. Additionally, the workplace intends to begin yoga classes twice a month for all employees at a local yoga studio. The organization also aims to participate and sponsor fun-runs or team building physical activities hosted by the Borough of Sewickley. Lastly, No Crayon Left Behind intends on providing the office with a HappyLight to help employees that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA (Pittsburgh, PA) The organization promotes physical activity by hosting yoga once a week in the office, encouraging staff to walk campus during lunch breaks, and encouraging participation in active events such as the Crucible and 335 Miles for Veterans. The Maintain Not Gain program during the holidays provides an opportunity for weekly weigh-ins and trading healthy recipes on an office message board. Monthly seminars on health topics such as stress management are held after staff meetings. In addition, the workplace is equipped with a kitchen for staff to bring in healthy lunch options and often staff will share items from their garden. Healthy choices, including several vegetarian and vegan options, are provided at company functions. Lastly, the organization offers a comprehensive healthcare plan with dental and vision coverage at a low cost to employees.

Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with 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.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Wilkinsburg Borough Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

November 3, 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that Wilkinsburg Borough is the latest community to receive designation as a Live Well Allegheny Community. The announcement was made during the Wilkinsburg Thursday Open Market (WTOM) event. The borough’s participation raises the number of municipalities participating in Live Well Allegheny to 33.

“We’re thrilled to have Wilkinsburg join us in this initiative and effort. The community is a growing one which is taking positive steps to improve the quality of life in their community, something which goes hand in hand with the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We are grateful to have so many communities, and elected officials, taking an active role in our effort to have the healthiest county in America.”

Wilkinsburg Borough hosted its Thursday Open Market event in the parking lot of South Avenue Methodist Church at 733 Ross Avenue 15221 from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. Farmers, artisan, crafters and prepared food vendors participated in this event.

“The Live Well Allegheny campaign is promoting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and farmer’s markets are a great way to increase access to fresh and healthy food,” said ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker. “Open Market events are a great way for Wilkinsburg residents to purchase fresh food in their community. This is one activity among others that the Wilkinsburg Borough is undertaking as a Live Well Allegheny community which will enhance the health of its residents. Congratulations Wilkinsburg.”

The WTOM participates in the Fresh Access Program that is managed by Just Harvest with funding support from Live Well Allegheny. Customers can utilize the Fresh Access Food Bucks program. For every $5 that a shopper spends on their EBT card, they will receive an additional $2 in bonus tokens which can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables. SNAP, debit and cash were also accepted.

“It is important, for a host of reasons, that Wilkinsburg has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community,” said Council Member DeWitt Walton, who represents District 13. “For that borough, which has had long-term struggles with income inequalities, it is important to achieve this designation. Public health is a necessary component to improving the quality of life for residents and I applaud the borough for taking this step.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Wilkinsburg Borough indicated that in addition to the open market event, it will:

  • Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
  • Promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for residents in the community
  • Offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
  • Promote and support Farmer’s Markets
  • Promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters
  • Provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events
  • Utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“Wilkinsburg Borough Council is excited to be designated as a Live Well Allegheny Community.  We have focused on improving Wilkinsburg multiple ways some of them include: blight reduction, municipal investments, increased opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle access and revitalized greenspaces.  We are pleased to expand our emphasis and commitment to personal health and well-being as part of our efforts to be a truly healthy and model community,” said Councilman Patrick Shattuck.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Borough of Carnegie Designated as the Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

September 24, 2016

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Borough of Carnegie is the latest community to receive the designation as a Live Well Allegheny Community. The announcement was made during the Carnegie Open Streets event. The borough’s participation raises the number of municipalities participating in Live Well Allegheny to 32.

“Carnegie is a community on its way up and it has recognized the importance of providing activities, events and amenities that improve the quality of life for its residents,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We’re excited to have the borough join this effort and look forward to the great things they will continue to do in their community.”

The Borough of Carnegie hosted its first Open Streets event at the intersection of West Main and East Main Streets from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. The event was themed “Get Active and Enjoy Carnegie” and participants were able to participate in activities including yoga in the street, jazzercise, a children’s fitness class and Indian cultural dances.

“Finding ways to encourage physically active will greatly improve our health. It is an important part of our Live Well Allegheny campaign.” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “Open Streets events are a family-friendly way for residents to be physically active in their community. This is one activity among others that the Borough of Carnegie is undertaking to enhance the health of its residents and we commend them for their efforts.”

Restaurants and shops also offered specials throughout the event. Funding for the event was provided by the Active Allegheny Grant Program that is managed by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County in partnership withLive Well Allegheny.

“I’m very proud of the work that our communities are doing, and glad the Carnegie Borough is a part of my district,” said Council Member Mike Finnerty. “Today’s Open Streets event is just one of many that engages and involves the community and I was thrilled to be part of it.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Carnegie indicated that in addition to the open streets event, it will:

  • Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
  • Plan, promote and implement a Live Well Allegheny event in cooperation with the campaign that encourages active living
  • Encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding
  • Promote and support farmer’s markets
  • Encourage involvement with community volunteer activities
  • Promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters and Young Lungs at Play
  • Utilize web sites and social media to provide information on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and other health and wellness related initiatives.

“Carnegie Borough is very excited to receive the Live Well Allegheny Community designation. This progressive program is great way to promote a healthier lifestyle within our community and throughout the county,” said Mayor Jack Kobistek.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Live Well Allegheny Supports Increased Opportunities for Physical Activity in Allegheny County Municipalities

etna_open-streetsAllegheny County continues to work together to meet the goals of Live Well Allegheny. Our most recent effort was a joint initiative by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) which helps communities increase opportunities for their residents to be physically active. With funding support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Active Allegheny Grant Program provided financial assistance to communities to develop plans and design transportation projects to increase residents’ opportunities for physical activity and provide connections to important local destinations and transportation systems.

The Active Allegheny Grant Program had two cycles this year. The first was open to select municipalities with 46% percent or greater population of low-moderate income persons while the second cycle priority was given to municipalities with 25% or greater population of low-moderate income persons. Municipalities were encouraged to work together on projects extending beyond their boundaries. A total of $196,000 was awarded to fourteen municipalities. Following is a list of the projects that were awarded in year 1:

  • Millvale ~ Seavey Road Pedestrian and ADA Project $ 15,000.00
  • Etna and Sharpsburg ~ Open Streets Day Etna and Sharpsburg $ 7,500.00
  • Braddock, East Pittsburgh, North Braddock, Rankin and Turtle Creek ~ Feasibility Study to Develop a Walking/Bicycling Route through Communities $ 42,000.00
  • Carnegie ~ Open Streets Carnegie $ 5,000.00
  • Collier ~ Collier Township Trail Network Map and Guide $ 4,400.00
  • East McKeesport ~ East McKeesport Open Street Day $ 5,000.00
  • Harrison ~ Harrison Township Biking/Walking Corridor Planning and Design Project $ 49,600.00
  • Ross ~ Creating Connections for a Healthier Ross $ 33,500.00
  • Wilkins ~ Wilkins Township Active Transportation Master Plan $ 34,000.00

activealleghenygrantprogram

This funding also allowed the county to make significant progress in accomplishing the recommendations of Allegheny Places, the county’s land use and development comprehensive plan, and Active Allegheny, the county’s active transportation plan.  Both plans rely heavily on municipal participation to accomplish the plans’ goals.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has generously awarded funding for two more years of the Active Allegheny Grant Program. Municipalities will be notified when the next round of funding is available.

Braddock Borough and Two Employers Commit to Live Well Allegheny

August 13, 2016

PITTSBURGHLiveWellBraddockThe Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today announced that the Borough of Braddock is the latest community to receive the designation of a Live Well Allegheny community. The announcement was made as part of the Braddock Community Day event held earlier today.

Live Well Allegheny encourages people to make changes where they live and work that will impact their health,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “I commend the newest members of Live Well Allegheny that are contributing to a healthier Allegheny County.”

The Borough of Braddock hosted its annual community day at the intersection of Braddock Avenue and Library Street. In addition to visiting with representatives of the Health Department, attendees could also participate in Zumba, cardio boot camps, children’s games and a parade.

“We are thrilled to have another community join our effort to become a healthier county,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “With the commitment from Braddock, we now have 26 municipalities which are actively working with the county to help their residents become healthier.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Braddock indicated that it will:

  • Promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for the community’s employees
  • Share information on wellness campaign events with the broader community to encourage voluntary participation of residents
  • Develop indoor and outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities
  • Offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
  • Encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding
  • Promote and support farmer’s markets
  • Encourage involvement with community volunteer activities
  • Promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters.

“I’m very proud that Braddock has joined this effort, and that the announcement of their commitment was made in such a public way as part of its Community Day celebration,” said Dr. Charles Martoni, the District 8 Allegheny County Council Member. “Braddock is the fourth municipality in my district to help us become a healthier county, and we are grateful for their efforts.”

The borough has already set a strong example for how a community can help its residents become healthier.

“The health of our residents is a priority. We host a 2-acre urban farm with Grow Pittsburgh to promote access to fresh produce and our Red Lantern Bike Shop provides kids free bicycles and repairs to encourage physical activity. I am excited that we are part Live Well Allegheny as it is great partnership to foster a healthy community in Braddock,” said Mayor John Fetterman.

The event also provided an opportunity to announce that two more organizations have become part of the Live Well Allegheny Workplaces effort: Rankin Christian Center and Virtual Officeware (DE) LLC.

The Rankin Christian Center (Rankin, PA) committed to action steps in four main focus areas to be designated as a Live Well Workplace:

  • First, the company will make changes in the building facilities and workplace environment including providing healthy food options during company meetings and functions, ensuring well-lit and safe stairwells, providing access to filtered water cooler dispenser, access to an on-site room for fitness activity, providing space for a workplace garden.
  • Second, it will integrate policy which will include providing employees with comprehensive health insurance including dental and preventative care with low copays.
  • Third, it will provide health education, screening and prevention services like onsite health fairs and screenings for staff and community members in collaboration with local health providers.
  • Finally, the organization leaders will actively demonstrate support for staff wellness and participate in wellness activities and programs.

Virtual OfficeWare, (Pittsburgh, PA) indicated that it has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including:

  • Creating an Employee Wellness Committee that has ongoing leadership support and participation as well as representatives from various departments
  • Providing Fitness Wearables (Jawbone Up Bands) in conjunction with a step challenge
  • Drafting a new company mission statement that supports employee well-being
  • Offering health screenings for Blood Pressure, LDL Cholesterol, and Glucose readings
  • Provide free healthy snacks such as fresh fruit in the breakroom
  • Access to in-site fitness center, workout room and outdoor bicycles for physical activity
  • Offering a reduction in insurance premiums, cash and extra PTO days to encourage participation in health improvement activities.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Borough of Green Tree Designated as Newest Live Well Allegheny Community

June 30, 2016

Live_Well_Green-Tree-BoroughPITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, County Council Member Jim Ellenbogen and Dr. Karen Hacker of the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) today designated the Borough of Green Tree as the county’s latest Live Well Allegheny Community during the borough’s Health & Fitness Fair. The borough’s participation raises the number of Live Well Allegheny communities to 25.

“It is thrilling to see so many communities in Allegheny County embrace the Live Well Allegheny initiative and its goals,” said Fitzgerald. “We know that we have seen improvements, generally, in the health of our county over the past few years and with so many communities joining us in this effort, I have no doubt that we will continue to see progress, and an even healthier Allegheny County moving forward.”

The Borough of Green Tree hosted its first Live Well Health & Fitness Fair at its Farmers Market at Green Tree Park. In addition to representatives of the Health Department and Human Services, the Food Bank and American Diabetes Association also participate in the event along with local health coaches, yoga instructors and others.

“I’m very excited to see another municipality from District 12 join the Live Well Allegheny program. With Green Tree’s commitment, all I commend their elected officials for taking this step to help the county become healthier,” said Ellenbogen. “The residents of Green Tree already have a large number of resources available to them, and I have no doubt that with their participation in this effort, we will continue to make progress.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Green Tree Council indicated that the borough has already implemented many of the goals of the campaign including:

  • Promoting participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for the borough’s employees
  • Sharing information on recreation and learning events with the broader community
  • Developing and maintaining outdoor wellness trails accessible to residents of all abilities
  • Developing and displaying walking maps and measuring the distances mapped to encourage residents to meet goals
  • Offering and adding health foods offered in borough-owned concession stands

“We’re excited to see Green Tree join our efforts to make the county a healthier place. With the borough on board, we have engaged 25 communities in Live Well Allegheny,” said Hacker. “We’re going to continue our efforts until all 130 municipalities are part of the campaign.”

Moving forward, the borough has committed to:

  • Developing incentives for employees who walk or bike to work
  • Encouraging multi-modal transportation of residents by providing facilities or policies that encourage walking and bike riding
  • Working with vending companies to post calories and nutrient contents and amounts for the foods offered in borough-owned vending machines and concession stands
  • Expanding existing smoke-free zones in buildings, perimeters and parks

“Green Tree has many amenities, such as our walking track, trails, parks, pool and great recreation programs, that enable our residents to exercise – but we need to do more,” said Mark Sampogna, Green Tree Council President. “Joining the Live Well Allegheny program puts us on the right path with access to many other resources. It’s all part of providing a good quality of life for our borough residents.”

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Municipality of Monroeville Receives Live Well Allegheny Designation

May 26, 2016

Announcement made at Celebration of National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Live_Well_MonroevilleThe Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced today that the Municipality of Monroeville is the latest to receive designation as a Live Well Allegheny community. Their participation brings the number of Live Well Allegheny communities to 24 as they embrace the countywide effort to “live well.”

Live Well Allegheny is about building healthy communities for all residents,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “I commend Monroeville for their commitment to living well across the life span. We have heard from several Allegheny County communities about the importance of residents being able to live healthier right in their own community. Monroeville is a good example of this as they are providing resources for young and older residents.”

The Live Well Allegheny designation occurred earlier this afternoon at the Monroeville Senior Center as part of the celebration of National Senior Health and Fitness Day. The senior center organized a schedule of events including fitness classes, educational seminars and tours of the new functional fitness stations located in the fitness center.

“Having a healthy community applies to everyone, no matter their age, gender, physical ability or health, which is why it’s so thrilling to see Monroeville celebrate its Live Well Allegheny designation at a Senior Health & Fitness Day,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Our region has long been recognized as one of the best places to retire because of the access to health facilities, opportunities for continuing education, a low cost of living and public transportation coverage. We’re proud of the fact that older Americans can live safe, independent and healthy lives here in Allegheny County.”

In its ordinance for Live Well Allegheny, Monroeville Council has agreed to following actions to encourage its residents to live a healthy lifestyle:

  • Share wellness information with employees and the broader community
  • Plan and implement a Live Well Allegheny event in cooperation with the campaign that encourages active living
  • Encourage multi-modal transportation of residents by providing information about public transportation along with biking and walking resources
  • Develop walking maps and measure distances mapped
  • Promote and support farmer’s markets with emphasis on helping all of Monroeville residents have access to fresh and healthy foods
  • Work with local food banks to help ensure access their to healthy foods
  • Provide information regarding leisure activities for children and teens in Monroeville

“I’m proud to represent Monroeville and excited to have the community join the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Council Member Dr. Charles Martoni. “Today, Monroeville joins District 8 communities Braddock Hills, Chalfant and Turtle Creek in making our county healthier as Live Well Allegheny communities. I look forward to having many, many more join us in the months to come.”

Monroeville Mayor, Gregory Erosenko said, “I am very excited that Live Well Allegheny is coming to Monroeville and that our residents will be able to participate in this healthy initiative. It is always good to take care of ourselves so that we can live long, healthy lives.”

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Mt. Lebanon Designated as Live Well Allegheny Community, School

ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker joins Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, School Board members and residents to announce that community's involvement with the Live Well Allegheny initiative.

ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker joins Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, School Board members and students to announce their community’s involvement with the Live Well Allegheny initiative.

PITTSBURGH – Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, was joined by elected and appointed officials, students and residents of Allegheny County, Mt. Lebanon and the Mt. Lebanon School District to formally designate the district and municipality as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign.
“It has been a fantastic two years for the Live Well Allegheny campaign, as the vitality we see in our communities is reflected in this campaign for a healthier county,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We see evidence each day that this effort is working, and that news has been supported by the recent data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. While we’ve made improvements, we know that there’s more work to do which is why it’s so important to have so many organizations help in this effort.”

Live_Well_MtLebanonThe Live Well launch happened this morning during the community’s first Farmer’s Market of the season which is held each week near the municipal building on Washington Road. In addition to the announcement, students from Mt. Lebanon participated in a game focused on #HowDoYouLiveWell, answering questions that ranged from health, nutrition, exercise and swim safety, to internet use and more.

“As a health care professional, I am very pleased that school districts and communities are becoming more involved in promoting an active, healthy lifestyle that will improve the health and well-being of their citizens,” said County Council Member Sue Means, who represents District 5 in which Mt. Lebanon is located.

The addition of Mt. Lebanon and the Mt. Lebanon School District brings the overall count of participants in Live Well Allegheny Communities to 23 and Live Well Allegheny Schools to 6. The initiative has also recently launched Live Well Allegheny Restaurants and Live Well Allegheny Workplaces.

“I am so pleased to celebrate a joint announcement by both the municipality and school district. Live Well Allegheny is about encouraging health behaviors for all Allegheny County residents in all facets of life at work, school or in our local communities,” said Hacker. “Whether it is students making healthier choices in the lunch line or local communities organizing events to encourage more physical activity. These small changes all add up to a healthier Allegheny County.”

Mt. Lebanon already engages in a number of activities to promote health, including the sponsorship of the Uptown Farmers’ Market, offering volunteer opportunities to enhance the quality of life, cycling and walking events and other initiatives for its 33,000 citizens. In addition to committing to continuing current activities, the municipality also intends to utilize the Tour de Mt. Lebanon, recreational opportunities and numerous other healthy initiatives to further the goals of the campaign.

“When it comes to health and wellness, being a walking community with a top regional hospital as its largest employer gives us a head start,” said Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Kelly Fraasch. “But nearly every municipal department, our school district and various nonprofit agencies located in Mt. Lebanon have contributed to our focus on improving quality of life for all, and our commitment to promoting wellness and safety for all residents.”

Live_Well_MTLSDThe Mt. Lebanon School District is also taking steps to promote the goals of the Live Well Allegheny campaign by focusing on staff wellness, student wellness and community wellness. The district already provides a comprehensive wellness plan for staff, offers a standards-based health and physical education curriculum, and has eliminated non-recyclable materials at all of its schools. Moving forward, the district has committed to share wellness tips and events using its social media accounts, providing healthy snacks for staff and faculty, as well as students for schools-related events, continuing its connections to local produce through Farm to School Partnerships and making water coolers available at all schools, as just a starting point.

“We are pleased to partner with Allegheny County, the Health Department and the Mt. Lebanon municipality as a Live Well Allegheny School,” said Timothy Steinhauer, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools. “The health and well-being of our students and staff is a priority in the Mt. Lebanon School District, so we are honored to take part in this important public health initiative to promote wellness and healthy living in our schools.”

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive, 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 Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

For more information on the Live Well Allegheny campaign, including how to become a Live Well Allegheny community or school, visit the Gain Live Well Status page.