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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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