It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Pittsburgh, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“My grandmother has been getting to and from her appointments with no issues and finally got the right care since joining this agency! She finally has someone to help her clean and organize the way she likes it and helps her make her favorite meals! If you’re looking for someone to care for you I’d give this place a chance.”
“I love working for these guys. Pretty flexible and my bosses are understanding that life happens. They go out of their way to help their caregivers and their elderly clients. Best company to work for! Love you guys.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have Always Best Care of Pittsburgh. They help my mom with whatever she needs, like a run to the store, making food, laundry, and that sort of thing. I haven't had any trouble with the agency. We've had two to three different caregivers, they're always good and on time. They come three times a week for four hours a day.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, PA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Altius or visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Pittsburgh, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Pittsburgh, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Pittsburgh, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Pittsburgh Named World Festival & Event City by International Festivals & Events Association for Third Consecutive YearPittsburgh continues to shine as a premier global destination for festivals and eventsPittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh and VisitPITTSBURGH today announced that Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City ...
Pittsburgh Named World Festival & Event City by International Festivals & Events Association for Third Consecutive Year
Pittsburgh continues to shine as a premier global destination for festivals and events
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh and VisitPITTSBURGH today announced that Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award.
This marks the third consecutive year Pittsburgh has received the prestigious designation. Awarded to a select group of destinations worldwide, the designation underscores Pittsburgh’s continued leadership as a hub for world-class festivals and events that attract visitors and strengthen the regional economy.
The award was presented to the City of Pittsburgh’s Film & Events Manager, Brian Katze, during the IFEA 71st Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson, AZ. The City of Pittsburgh was one of five municipalities in the United States to receive the designation in 2025.
"Pittsburgh is a city where our festivals and events bring residents, families and visitors together to be a part of the energy and vibrancy of our neighborhoods," said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor. "We are proud to be named a 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City and of the work of our city staff and event organizers who make events of all sizes possible. Whether it's a block party, festival, conference or other major event, Pittsburgh invites everyone to come and experience these great events in our city."
An international panel of experts evaluated applicants based on criteria including their commitment to supporting events, the economic impact generated, and events’ contributions to residents’ quality of life. Pittsburgh’s application highlighted beloved events such as the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.
“Earning this recognition for a third consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for Pittsburgh,” said VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “In a landmark year for major events across our region—anchored by the tremendous undertaking of hosting the 2026 NFL Draft—this honor is a testament to the dedication of our event organizers, community partners, and stakeholders, whose efforts have elevated Pittsburgh on the global stage.”
As the city’s event industry has grown rapidly, the Office of Film & Event Management serves as the official permitting and consulting authority for all film and event projects within the City of Pittsburgh. The Office values the strong collaboration among all stakeholders that has helped secure this prestigious title.
Additionally, this designation supports VisitPITTSBURGH’s 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, which aims to enhance Pittsburgh’s capacity to host large-scale festivals and establish a county-wide strategy to promote events that reflect the city’s unique brand and cultural diversity.
Pittsburgh is proud to join the distinguished roster of 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award recipients, alongside cities such as McAllen, TX; Historic Kailua Village, Hawai’i; and Philadelphia, PA. A list of this year’s award recipients can be found here.
For more information on Pittsburgh’s festivals and events, visit VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
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About the City of Pittsburgh, Office of Film & Event Management
The City of Pittsburgh's Office of Film & Event Management is responsible for consulting with both film and event permit applicants to ensure that industry standards, safety regulations, and city policies are followed and met. OFEM also works with all City departments to ensure the proper planning, coordination, and execution of all permitted events and film projects, as well as assists in the safe and effective planning of large-scale city-wide events. Additionally, OFEM ensures that events and film productions do not negatively impact the City’s operations and remain positive assets to the city and its residents.
About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel for Allegheny County.
Molly Onufer Press Secretary [email protected]
The New York Yankees' playoff run came to a very disappointing end on Wednesday night.The Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays by a 4-3 final score in Game 3 of the ALDS. With this, New York's season has ended in a sweep, and a big offseason awaits them because of it.Given how this season went for the Yankees, it is clear that they need to make some major alterations to their roster. One player who very well may not be back for the Yankees next season is Jazz Chisholm Jr. The 28-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and h...
The New York Yankees' playoff run came to a very disappointing end on Wednesday night.
The Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays by a 4-3 final score in Game 3 of the ALDS. With this, New York's season has ended in a sweep, and a big offseason awaits them because of it.
Given how this season went for the Yankees, it is clear that they need to make some major alterations to their roster. One player who very well may not be back for the Yankees next season is Jazz Chisholm Jr. The 28-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and had both a rough regular season and postseason.
Now, the Yankees are being urged to replace Chisholm with a notable star pending free agent.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Kerry Miller urged the Yankees to sign Brandon Lowe in free agency to replace Chisholm.
"Good luck finding a second baseman who can match both Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s power and speed, but Brandon Lowe would certainly handle the first with 66 home runs and an .806 OPS over the past two seasons," Miller wrote. "And Yankee Stadium's short porch in right would be conducive to his left-handed power."
Lowe being named a potential target for the Yankees makes sense. He is the best second baseman who can hit the free agent market besides Chisholm and would give New York another impactful hitter to work with. Thus, it would be understandable if the Yankees targeted him.
Lowe would have the potential to be a strong pickup for the middle of the Yankees' batting order. Thus, he could be a good fit on a team that is looking for more power like New York.
While Chisholm struggled this season, Lowe had a great year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 150 games for Pittsburgh, he posted 35 home runs, 96 RBI, and a .260 batting average. This was after he had 31 home runs, 83 RBI, and a .256 batting average in 134 games with the Rays in 2025.
These numbers are impressive and show Lowe would be a strong addition to New York's offense. He has also hit at least 21 home runs in five out of his last six seasons. This included in 2021, when he hit a career-high 39 home runs with Tampa Bay.
Overall, while Lowe is 32 years old, he would still be a good player for the Yankees to target. He had a better 2026 season than Chisholm and could be a better fit on New York's roster. Thus, it will be interesting to see if they target him.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post New York Yankees Urged to Sign 35-HR Star as Jazz Chisholm Jr. Replacement appeared first on HEAVY.
Pittsburgh Water Enters Final Push to Eliminate Residential Lead Service LinesNearly 29,000 public and private lead service lines have already been replaced as utility works toward 2027 completion goalPittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Water is entering the final stretch of one of the largest infrastructure efforts in its history, with approximately 88% of its...
Pittsburgh Water Enters Final Push to Eliminate Residential Lead Service Lines
Nearly 29,000 public and private lead service lines have already been replaced as utility works toward 2027 completion goal
Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Water is entering the final stretch of one of the largest infrastructure efforts in its history, with approximately 88% of its residential lead service line program now complete and a goal of finishing the remaining work by the end of 2027.
As of October 1, Pittsburgh Water has replaced 16,264 public lead service lines and 12,533 private lead service lines across the service area.
“Pittsburgh is proving that when we need investment in the health and sustainability of our neighborhoods, major infrastructure work can be both ambitious and practical,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “This program represents years of sustained investment and coordination, and reaching this stage is a major milestone for the City. Finishing this work will leave Pittsburgh families with stronger infrastructure and a healthier foundation for the future.”
The work is part of a decade-long effort to remove lead from Pittsburgh’s residential water infrastructure. Pittsburgh Water serves approximately 71,000 residential service connections, and crews have worked neighborhood by neighborhood to identify and replace lead lines on both public and private property.
“This has been an enormous undertaking, and we are proud to have made this investment in the health and safety of our residents,” said Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water. “Nearly 29,000 public and private lead service lines have already been replaced, and we’re committed to carrying that momentum through this final stretch. Every replacement means another Pittsburgh household with safer, more modern water infrastructure, and we’re excited to keep doing this work for the communities we serve.”
There is still significant work ahead. Approximately 8,300 properties remain to be checked for lead, a number that includes work already underway as well as properties scheduled for future phases of the program.
Depending on what crews find during those inspections, Pittsburgh Water currently expects to replace approximately 2,500 to 4,000 additional public lead service lines in 2027, along with a similar number of privately owned lead lines.
The scale of the program goes well beyond the number of pipes replaced. Pittsburgh Water estimates by the time the effort is complete, its total investment in lead service line removal will approach $400 million.
To help fund the final phase of work, Pittsburgh Water’s Board of Directors authorized an application for up to $19 million in PENNVEST financing for the 2027 Neighborhood Lead Service Line Replacement Project. The financing helps keep the program on schedule while reducing costs.
Work will continue across several construction phases through 2027 as Pittsburgh Water moves toward its goal of replacing all remaining residential lead service lines by the end of the year.
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Molly Onufer Press Secretary [email protected]
A child who attends a private Christian school in the North Hills has been infected with measles, the second confirmed case in Allegheny County.Pennsylvania is facing the largest outbreak of measles in the country, with more than 1,000 cases and five deaths across the commonwealth. The first case of measles for an Allegheny County resident was identified last week, with possible exposures at a Target on McKnight Road in McCandless. The Allegheny County Health Department reported previously that case of measles did not include a school...
A child who attends a private Christian school in the North Hills has been infected with measles, the second confirmed case in Allegheny County.
Pennsylvania is facing the largest outbreak of measles in the country, with more than 1,000 cases and five deaths across the commonwealth. The first case of measles for an Allegheny County resident was identified last week, with possible exposures at a Target on McKnight Road in McCandless. The Allegheny County Health Department reported previously that case of measles did not include a school exposure.
A spokesperson for the department confirmed there has been a second reported case of measles and that the agency is working with officials at the student’s school to contain the spread. The department declined to provide details about the second person who is infected, citing privacy.
A spokesperson for Eden Christian Academy, which operates three North Hills campuses, acknowledged its student body was impacted. Eden Christian enrolls 658 students across elementary schools in Ross and Pine, and a school for upper grades in Ohio Township. The spokesperson did not say which campus was impacted.
Health Department spokesperson Ronnie Das said staff have “been providing specific guidance to the school nurse and administration of an impacted school on how to organize lists of immune staff and students and ensuring school staff understands who needs to quarantine and for how long.”
Eden Christian Academy released a statement to Public Source about the school’s response on Thursday, saying the school could not release any identifying information due to privacy laws. “We are working directly with the Health Department to implement their protocol,” the official said. “Families and staff have received notification with instructions from public health authorities.”
The school’s vaccination rate is 81%, which is in the bottom 10% of schools in Allegheny County. It’s lower than the 92-95% threshold required for herd immunity, and below the Health Department’s target of at least 95%. The school didn’t respond to a question about whether it is doing anything to try to increase its vaccination rates.
“The health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and families is our highest priority,” the school said in its statement.
In June, Public Source reported that private religious schools generally have the lowest measles vaccination rates in the county, with children in the youngest grades showing the lowest rates. At the time health experts in the county said they did not know of any specific efforts to try to improve vaccination rates at parochial schools.
“We are very concerned about the fact that there are these pockets” of students who are at risk, Allegheny County’s Medical Director Jillian Irwin said in May.
The Health Department said in a statement today that it works with school officials to review attendance records and see which students might have been exposed because infected individuals can spread the disease for four days before and after symptoms appear. The department recommends quarantines for students and family members who have been exposed to measles and have not been vaccinated or previously infected. The department recommends isolation for students with confirmed cases.
“Anyone with measles needs to isolate from others during this time,” Das said. “Nonimmune household members must quarantine. Immune household members do not have to quarantine.”
Lisa Bruce was attending a conference about special needs children at a church that is physically connected to — though unaffiliated with — the Eden Christian Academy building in Pine on Thursday. She has an 18-year-old in college about an hour from Pittsburgh, she said, so she isn’t worried for her daughter. But she has two elderly parents in their 80s and doesn’t know if their old vaccinations will be as effective at their age. (The CDC’s website says people born before 1957 are presumed to be immune.)
“It worries me that people are not being vaccinated,” Bruce said. “Being vaccinated is a choice.”
Correction: The original version of this story indicated an incorrect number of statewide measles cases.
Oliver Morrison is the health and environment reporter at Pittsburgh’s Public Source and can be reached at .
Lajja Mistry is the K-12 education reporter at Pittsburgh’s Public Source. She can be reached at [email protected].
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A November ballot question could provide what one county council member calls 'perks' for the 15-member panel.PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County voters will determine in the Nov. 3 election whether to alter the Home Rule Charter to allow county council members access to benefits, personal staff and offices.The ballot question, approved by council members in June, will be answered as the county faces a current pension deficit of $1.4 billion.A "yes" vote would mean that council members should have access ...
PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County voters will determine in the Nov. 3 election whether to alter the Home Rule Charter to allow county council members access to benefits, personal staff and offices.
The ballot question, approved by council members in June, will be answered as the county faces a current pension deficit of $1.4 billion.
A "yes" vote would mean that council members should have access to funding for individual staff, district offices, and fringe benefits - including health and life insurance, pensions, and personal motor vehicles. A "no" vote would maintain the current Home Rule Charter restrictions.
The 15-member council serves as the county's legislative branch of government. The positions are part-time and pay an annual stipend of around $11,000. Council members currently share a three-member staff.
According to the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, supporters of the Home Rule Charter change contend it would increase council's effectiveness as an independent branch of government.
Supporters also note that council members are the only elected council members barred from having fringe benefits and personal staff, which discourages people from serving on the panel.
Those supporting a "no" vote on the referendum assert the Home Rule Charter was intended to create a part-time council with limited costs to the county. Although the proposal doesn't approve funding for new services at this time, it opens the door for ongoing funding increases.
They also contend that the decision should not be made without hearing recommendations from the government review commission. This commission is currently meeting andis scheduled to report later in the year.
At least one council member opposes the charter change.
DeWitt Walton on Tuesday announced he will lead a countywide campaign urging residents to vote
“The county government just recently increased property taxes. We have a massive unfunded County liability in our pension system," Walton said at a news conference.
"This is clearly not the time to ask voters to increase 'perks' for county council members. That’s why I am taking the lead and organizing a campaign to recommend that voters vote 'no' on this referendum.”
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