Air Act and the 2012 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2). The Health Department has been in discussions with the EPA at both the regional and headquarter levels and awaits the Region 3 Administrator's decision. The EPA agreed that the data the Air Quality program submitted as part of the redesignation request is clean and meets the goals and standards of the Clean Air Act and the 2012 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. To read about the clean data determination, visit (federalregister.gov/ documents/2022/03/ 16/2022-05446/air-plan- approval-pennsylvania-allegheny-county-area- fine-particulate-matter-clean-data) Overdose Prevention Adds Test Strips to Harm Reduction Efforts A significant piece of combating the opioid overdose crisis is informing community members what harmful compounds are present within their consumed substances. Fentanyl is becoming increasingly common in all kinds of illicit substances; therefore, users need to know whether fentanyl is present or not to ensure their safety. In 2023, the Pennsylvania legislature legalized fentanyl test strips, adding another tool to the county’s overdose prevention efforts. The Health Department’s Overdose Prevention Program ordered 3,000 test strips at the beginning of 2023, when they were first legalized, and staff distributed the first batch very quickly and has already ordered more. Residents can access resources related to overdose prevention, parenting, treatment and recovery by visiting the ACHD’s overdose prevention website.
The Health Department efforts are done in collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and other stakeholders to reach those most vulnerable.
Plan for a Healthier Allegheny 2023-2027 Released The Plan for a Healthier Allegheny 2023-2027 is the cornerstone of the county’s community health improvement process. The plan was completed under the guidance of former director and now acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra L. Bogen. It contains eight goals, 37 objectives, and 59 metrics designed to guide and measure the health and well-being of Allegheny County residents. The guiding principles of the plan are that it is equity driven, data supported, community engaged, as well as policy oriented. The Plan for a Healthier Allegheny, 2023-2027 focuses on three priority areas: physical health, behavioral health and the environment. To improve the physical health of Allegheny County residents, the department and its partners aim to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The plan also includes goals to ensure that residents have a place to obtain medical as well as dental care and to decrease the disparities in life expectancy and chronic diseases. In the area of behavioral health, the plan outlines efforts needed to ensure residents have access to behavioral and mental health services, including treatment for substance use disorders. The plan calls for expanded participation in existing programs and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
12
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator