Unfortunately, these health issues also affect the health of our county as a whole. Poor school attendance, less productive employees and chronically ill patients are just a few of the results.

However, there is good news.

In 2004, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was one of three states to be awarded a federal grant to participate in a national program called Steps To A HealthierUS.  This grant is funded nationally by the Steps To A HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement of the Department of Health and Human Services.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health selected Fayette County as one of three communities to participate.  The local partners include the Southwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center and the Fayette County Community Health Improvement Partnership.  This five-year grant is aimed at reducing diabetes, asthma and obesity in our community by addressing factors such as nutrition, physical activity and tobacco use.

Locally, our initiative is called Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County. We are offering programs, activities, guidance, training and education to promote healthier lifestyles throughout the community.

Our staff is working with schools, businesses, doctors' offices and other community organizations to provide appropriate programs, training and plans. As a team, we are performing health screenings, improving food choices, developing action plans for individuals, educating our populations and beginning to change behaviors.

Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County has the potential to change our community for the better. Our integrated approach to promoting healthier lifestyles is the first effort of its kind in our region. It is a targeted plan to reduce our high incidence of diabetes, asthma and obesity – diseases that are often painful, costly and affect quality of life.

Find out more about Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County by calling (724) 439-1484. To learn about the national program, please visit www.healthierus.gov/steps.