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cannot meet the gift-giving needs of the children we serve without the kindness of individuals throughout the county,” said DHS Director Marc Cherna.
While all gift donations are appreciated, there is a special need for:
• Warm winter wear for ages 0-18( hats, gloves, mittens, scarves)
• Board games for all ages – to be played individually, with siblings, or as a family
• Puzzles for all ages
• Dolls and action figures in a full range of skin tones
• Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, baseball gloves, and other sports equipment
• Creative kits for school-age children
• Gifts for children ages 0-2
Gift donations will be collected through Dec. 1, and may be taken to the following drop-off location: South Curves 301 Old Washington Pike Carnegie, PA 15106
Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to“ The DHS Donation Fund” with“ Holiday Project” written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to Holiday Project Coordinator, Department of Human Services, One Smithfield Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Opportunities to receive and fulfill a child’ s wish list are also available. To request a child’ s name and wish list and / or for more information about this process, please contact the event and donations team at EventandDonationsTeam @ AlleghenyCounty. us or 412.350.3428.
For additional information about the Holiday Project, drop-off locations and times, and for a list of gift ideas, visit alleghenycounty. us / dhs / holidayproject. aspx.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT INFLUENZA VACCINE CLINIC OPEN
The Allegheny County Health Department is offering seasonal flu and high-dose flu immunizations. The vaccines are available at the walk-in immunization clinic located at 425 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15219. Residents should enter the building via Cherry Way and proceed to the fourth floor.
The immunization clinic will be open weekdays from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m., except for Wednesdays, when the clinic’ s hours will be 1 to 8 p. m. No appointment is necessary.
Influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness and is potentially fatal. Getting an annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. ACHD will again offer the high-dose vaccine this year. The high-dose flu vaccine is four times more concentrated than the regular flu shot, and is available only for seniors 65 years of age and older.
“ Getting a flu shot is the first step to combating the flu,” said Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.“ The flu vaccination is also very important to not only your health, but the health of your loved ones.”
The price of the regular seasonal flu shot for individuals with insurance is $ 26. The highdose flu shot price is $ 52.
The flu vaccine is often a covered benefit and you can receive the flu shot for free at many locations around the county; however, ACHD reminds residents to make sure to check with their insurance provider prior to getting the flu shot.
At a later date, a limited supply of flu vaccine will be available, at no cost, to uninsured and underinsured residents of Allegheny County. Please call 412.578.8060 for the most up-todate information about this program.
For more information on influenza, visit achd. net / flu.
ACHD OFFERS TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE
As another heating season begins, the Allegheny County Health Department reminds residents of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is the byproduct of incomplete combustion of a fuel. Hundreds of people die each year nationwide from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, but most deaths could be prevented through greater awareness and education.
ACHD strongly encourages the use of carbon monoxide detectors. They are extremely helpful and can be purchased at most stores that carry home supplies. They can be lifesavers; however, detectors are no substitute for regular furnace maintenance.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may include any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing, blurry vision, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Anyone who believes they are experiencing these symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the premises and immediately call 9-1-1.
Everyone is at risk, but individuals with health problems such as heart or lung diseases, the elderly, infants, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.
For a free educational brochure about the dangers of carbon monoxide, visit achd. net / injury / pubs / pdf / CO _ Update. pdf. n
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