Health and Health Department Director Dr.
Karen Hacker.
Dr. Hacker and the Board of Health have
already identified a group of stakeholders who
will assist in identifying areas of strengths and
challenges. They will work with the campaign
to strategically plan activities and events
related to obesity prevention and physical
activity promotion. The initial goals of the
campaign are broad to respond to trends,
data and statistics brought to bear by the
Health Department and its stakeholders, but
its initial focus will be on implementing an
anti-obesity campaign, providing education
and developing partnerships. Specifically, the
Live Well Allegheny campaign intends to track
childhood obesity and visit school districts
to support evidence-based practices. A
referral resource which can point individuals,
including medical providers, to programs
and resources by zip code is in development
and is expected to be ready this summer. The
campaign has also set a goal of partnering on
or hosting physical activity events at least six
times a year.
Both Fitzgerald and Hacker pointed out
that there are already a large number of
programs, outreach events and organizations
which share similar goals to improve the
health of county residents. Recognizing that
behavior change requires a cultural change,
the Live Well Allegheny campaign will be part
of that change by promoting and highlighting
events and programs of partners in the
effort. While the Health Department has
already begun outreach to a number of those
organizations in the county, those interested
in joining the campaign are encouraged to
contact the Health Department by phone
at 412.687.2243, e-mail at livewell@achd.
net or by visiting the campaign’s website at
LiveWellAllegheny.com.
Future plans for the campaign include
activities in all 130 municipalities, the 90
neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh and
the 43 school districts that call Allegheny
County home. While the activity could
be some type of physical activity, the
campaign also envisions offering screenings,
alternative fitness activities, healthy cooking
demonstrations, tips on stress management
and more which ar