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.