Category Archives: Live Well Workplace

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.

Babb Inc. finds a fun way to stay active at work with the Annual LiveWell Open!

Babb Inc., a Live Well Allegheny Workplace, is leading the way in encouraging workplace wellness. In June, the Wellbeing Department hosted the 4^th Annual LiveWell Open Golf Tournament in concurrence with the 2019 U.S. Open.

The team set up a 5-hole par-16 mini-golf course in the Ballroom of the Babb Inc. historical building located on Pittsburgh’s Northside. To enhance workplace culture and encourage participation, trophies, prizes, and, of course, bragging rights were awarded to the top golfers in the men’s and women’s categories. Practice rounds were held the week leading up to the tournament that took place on Wednesday, June 12.

This type of event creates friendly competition between coworkers and provides an opportunity for people to get up and move during the day. More than 20 people participated in the tournament. Babb, Inc. continues to grow their culture with different activities, such as the LiveWell Open, that reflect their belief that employee care and wellbeing is the number one priority in any organization.

Another way that Babb, Inc. is promoting wellbeing and engagement is through the 4^th Annual SparkPittsburgh Step Challenge, which runs September 1 through October 15. This free and friendly challenge is designed to help organizations move towards better health and wellbeing one step at a time. Along with competing against other organizations, all steps contribute to Pittsburgh’s total step count to help make a difference in the health and wellbeing of the city!

This year, SparkPittsburgh is excited to announce the addition of Cleveland to the campaign (SparkCleveland)! Through the success of Pittsburgh, the partners hope to continue to expand Spark across the nation to help improve lifestyles across America. Visit www.SparkPittsburgh.com to join the challenge today!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ACHD Announces Seven New Live Well Allegheny Designations

July 23, 2018

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that five additional workplaces – Raion Zou Holistic Healing, Donnelly-Boland and Associates, Human Services Administration Organization, the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure – and two additional restaurants – Salvatore’s Pizza House and the Lions Den Cafe and Deli – have been designated as part of the Live Well Allegheny campaign.

“We are very excited to welcome another seven partners to our Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Now, a total of 59 communities, 46 restaurants, 23 workplaces and 14 school districts are making health a priority in Allegheny County, and there is room for many more. Earning the Live Well designation is easy, and we encourage you to apply today if you haven’t already done so.”

Live Well Allegheny Workplaces

Through a variety of initiatives, Raion Zou Holistic Healing is encouraging physical activity and nutrition among its employees. In addition to hosting a weekly walking group, the workplace will support stretching and physical activity breaks, organize fitness classes, and provide access to outdoor trails and an on-site area for exercise. Additionally, Raion Zou Holistic Healing will provide its employees with healthy food options, a private breastfeeding area, and standing or walking desks.
Donnelly-Boland and Associates will be establishing a tobacco-free workplace policy that includes tobacco cessation resources for employees. In addition, it will provide a private breastfeeding area, and will give its employees access to an on-site fitness area. Donnelly-Boland and Associates also promises to offer health screenings for BMI, obesity, cancer, blood pressure, and numerous other biometrics, and will remind its employees about the importance of regular checkups.
Providing access to an on-site fitness area, ensuring that employees have access to comprehensive health insurance, and developing a policy that supports breastfeeding employees are some of the initiatives Human Services Administration Organization (HSAO) is putting in place. Furthermore, HSAO promises to support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours, and to make health and wellness educational resources available to all employees.
The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers has promised to ensure well-lit, safe stairwells, to provide access to a water fountain, water dispenser, or water cooler, and to provide access to an on-site fitness area. It has also committed to allowing paid time off for preventive cancer screenings, to ensuring that employees have access to comprehensive health insurance, and to making health and wellness educational resources and activities available to all employees.
Having a space for a workplace garden that employees can build and maintain, negotiating health-club discounts or subsidized membership at local fitness centers, and making health and wellness educational resources available to employees is the vision set by Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. It will also support stretching and physical activity breaks during work hours, and to locate safe and accessible outdoor walking or running paths and trails.

Live Well Allegheny Restaurants

Salvatore’s Pizza House will be promoting healthier beverage options, and will offer smaller portions of sugar-sweetened beverages. It has also promised to provide healthy side dishes in lieu of higher fat, sugar, or salt options, and to eliminate trans-fat oils in its cooking.
Eliminating trans-fat oils in its cooking, being smoke-free, and offering low-calorie options have been promised by the Lions Den Cafe and Deli. It has also committed to offer vegetarian/vegan fare options and to provide healthy side dishes, including fruits and vegetables.

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.

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.

One Community and One Workplace Earn Live Well Allegheny Status

January 25, 2018

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced today that one community and one workplace have earned the Live Well Allegheny designation. This brings the total to 50 communities, 41 restaurants, 14 workplaces and 13 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

“We are very pleased to announce that the Borough of Dravosburg and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank have committed to the Live Well Allegheny program,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, ACHD Director. “To reach our goal of making Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation, we want to ensure that residents have access to healthy options where we live, learn, work and eat. We encourage all community partners to join the Live Well Alleghenycampaign if they haven’t already done so.”

Live Well Allegheny Community
The Borough of Dravosburg is committed to accomplishing the goals of Live Well Allegheny, and will take actions that will impact both employees and residents. For employees, they will promote the participation in a voluntary wellness campaign and offer incentives for employees who walk or bike to work. For residents, the borough will focus on increasing physical activity by promoting walking trails, developing walking maps, encouraging multi-modal transportation by providing policies and facilities that encourage walking and biking, and promote wellness events. Dravosburg will also promote local farmers markets and ask for healthier options in their vending machines, and promote smoke-free buildings and perimeters.

Live Well Allegheny Workplace
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has a Workplace Culture Committee that provides its employees with opportunities to improve physical health, mental health, and personal and community safety. Employees have access to: healthy food options in vending machines, filtered water stations, secure bicycle storage and safe outdoor walking paths. The Food Bank has integrated workplace policies, such as a tobacco-free policy, a breast-feeding policy that includes isolated areas and flexibility for employees to pump at work, and two Employee Assistance Programs. Health education, screenings and prevention are also offered, which includes a free annual flu shot clinic for employees.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Rich 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 Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker.