Clairton, School District Join County's 'Live Well' Project

By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
October 10, 2015
Posted in: Announcements

Clairton is the latest Allegheny County community that's taking active steps to improve the health of residents.

City and Clairton School District officials this afternoon announced that they are joining the "Live Well Allegheny" project overseen by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the county's health department.

The announcement was made during the 10th annual Clairton CommUNITY Day at the Clairton Education Center on Waddell Avenue. The event included a multi-activity children's area, food and drink, live entertainment, a bake sale and ethnic foods.

Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 as a comprehensive strategy to encourage physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more.

The effort is being led by the Board of Health and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

Clairton City School District has begun several healthy living initiatives including Breathe Pittsburgh and Grow Pittsburgh, a spokesperson said. The district is also hosting an asthma camp, participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Adagio Power Up!, and Safe Routes to Schools Program. Future plans include the implementation of a Live Well Allegheny Field Day and a "drink more water" initiative.

The City of Clairton actively promotes a voluntary wellness campaign, wellness activities, an Annual 5K Run/Walk, bike and walking trails, healthy food options at community events and shares information on activities in the broader community. The city also plans to continue to work with Jefferson Hospital to improve the quality of life for all of its residents --- not only physical health, but financial empowerment and food security as well.

 "I am so pleased to see Clairton City School District and the City of Clairton join the Live Well Allegheny campaign," County Councilman John Palmiere said. "District 6 communities are stepping up and I look forward to seeing even more of the communities in my district participate in this initiative. There are many benefits that will come of it for District 6 residents, and the county as a whole."

"Clairton is a thriving community filled with hardworking young professionals, busy families and active senior citizens and its participation in the Live Well Allegheny program, through both its school district and the municipal government reflects exactly that," Fitzgerald said.

"The school district's focus on healthy living initiatives, along with the city's efforts to promote trails and encourage the adoption of healthy food initiatives all tie in directly with what we are trying to accomplish through this campaign, and we are proud to add both as active participants in Live Well Allegheny."

 Hacker said she's "very excited" to see the partnership between Clairton's school district and city leaders.

"Because they are working together to promote healthy active living, the residents of Clairton will truly benefit from these opportunities," Hacker said. "I hope that Clairton residents take full advantage of these local resources and embrace a new healthier living for themselves and their community."

(Editor's note: This article is adapted entirely from a press release supplied by Allegheny County spokeswoman Amie Downs. Photo courtesy Allegheny County, via Twitter.)

Originally published October 10, 2015.

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