Steps to a HealthierUS is an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advances the goal of helping Americans live longer, better and healthier lives.

Since 2003, the Steps Program has allocated millions of dollars to 40 communities across the country, based on the significance of their health concerns when compared to other areas of the nation or state. Through five-year cooperative agreement programs, these Steps communities are implementing community action plans to reduce health disparities and promote quality health care and prevention services.

In 2004, Fayette County was one of three counties in Pennsylvania to receive a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Fayette County is the only area in southwestern Pennsylvania to receive this grant.

Here, the program is a joint effort of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Fayette County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP).

Working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County is targeting local health issues and promoting health programs and education efforts within our schools, communities and workplaces, and with healthcare providers.