May 16, 2018
PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the Township of O’Hara and Shaler Township are the two most recent communities to have been designated as Live Well Allegheny Communities.
“We know that a few of the things that sets our region apart from others includes our quality of life, and our focus on working together to address challenges,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The Live Well Allegheny campaign reflects both of those things. Their participation recognizes the park and recreation opportunities offered in their community, and the campaign itself focuses on what we can do cooperatively to provide a healthier community. I’m proud of the work that Dr. Hacker and her team have been doing, and grateful that so many partners are joining us in this effort.”
Live Well O’Hara
The Township of O’Hara has committed to improving residents’ health and wellness through initiatives that promote proper nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. The township will encourage the support of local farmers’ markets, and continue the establishment of the Edible Trail at its Upper Woodland Park. O’Hara Township will also discourage smoking near its playgrounds.
“I’m so proud that two of the communities in my district, O’Hara and Shaler, are taking concrete steps to improve the health and well-being of their residents by joining the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Anita Prizio, the County Council Member representing District 3. “By promoting important goals as physical activity, tobacco cessation and investing in our parks, we are well on our way to making Allegheny County one of the most livable counties.”
Live Well Shaler
Shaler Township has resolved to promote physical activity in its parks, which includes the Fall Run Park walking trails, Kiwanis Park’s community swimming pool, the numerous baseball and soccer fields, as well as tennis and bocce courts in all township-owned parks. The township will also promote participation in a voluntary wellness campaign for the community’s employees, and plan, promote and implement a Live Well Allegheny. In addition, the township will promote smoke-free perimeters, which includes buildings and township owned vehicles.
“It’s very encouraging to see that the Live Well Allegheny campaign continues to grow and expand,” said ACHD Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “With today’s announcement, we now have 57 communities, 42 restaurants, 14 workplaces and 14 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County. We encourage all municipalities to join our efforts, and to create healthier opportunities for their community members.”
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.
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.