IN Upper St. Clair Winter 2017 | Page 12

LOOP IN THE C O N T I N U E D Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families. “The DHS Holiday Project benefits from the generosity of the region’s business and nonprofit communities each year, but we 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 Office 412-833-5405 Cell 412-656-1103 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Upper St. Clair 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, other 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 high-dose 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.