The Allegheny County Health Department has teamed up with local and national partners to address disparities in Black and African American communities. The REACH program, a CDC-funded initiative, aims to achieve health equity and prevent chronic diseases through a diverse coalition of more than 25 partners. The coalition is working to increase access to healthy foods, physical activities, and breastfeeding support and encouragement. The focus areas for the county are Clairton, Duquesne, McKeesport, North Braddock, North Versailles, Rankin, and Wilkinsburg and the neighborhoods of the Northside, Homewood/Larimer, the Hill District, Garfield, Hazelwood, West End, and the Hilltop in the City of Pittsburgh.

In addition to individual behavioral changes that can improve personal and community health outcomes, there are also changes that must take place within systems, such as healthcare, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and transportation to truly bring about equity and ensure that residents live well, regardless of their zip codes or race.

The REACH coalition has examined various local inequities related to nutrition, physical activity, and access to care. Over the next five years, the coalition will focus efforts on improving breastfeeding rates, increasing trail mileage and access to existing trails to encourage outdoor activities, increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and increasing vaccination rates by improving access to vaccination opportunities.