CASA September Newsletter

Download the CASA newsletter to learn about  events and volunteer opportunities in support of Westmoreland County's Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Healthy Drinks, Health Kids: What the Research Shows

Research shows that what children drink can have a big impact on their health. However, with so many choices available in the marketplace, it can be confusing for parents and caregivers to know which drinks are healthy and which ones to avoid.

Murrysville woman named Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director

"Having a job that is mission-driven makes it very easy to go to work everyday, especially when that mission is at-risk youth. When reading the stories of the children who have been impacted, it’s almost impossible to not want to help."

Penn Township annual CROP Walk slated

A group of Penn-Trafford area churches are encouraging people to join a walk around historic Bushy Run Battlefield in Penn Township on Oct. 13 as way to raise money to battle against hunger locally and globally.

Register now: "Making the Connection" Ray of Hope Conference Nov. 22

Making the Connection: Trauma, Addiction, Suicide  See the flyer

Sponsored by Westmoreland Co. Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force

Friday, Nov. 22

9am to 3 pm

WCCC Science Hall, Youngwood

Who should attend?

• Educators

•Mental Health Professiona...

‘Very Special Proms’ charity seeks donations after Hempfield flood damages dresses, more

The Celebration of Life, which runs the annual Very Special Prom, is in need of help after flooding in July damaged donated gowns, dress shoes and other items set for sale at a flea market.

Parenting expert ‘Dr. G’ to speak at Greater Latrobe Senior High

Squirrel Hill family physician and nationally recognized parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa will speak to parents and other members of the Greater Latrobe and Derry Area school communities on Oct. 10 at Greater Latrobe Senior High School.

Help for Grandparents raising their Grandchildren

Trinity Lutheran Church in Latrobe and St. Cecilia's Church in Whitney are partnering to support those grandparents raising their grandchildren in the Latrobe/Greensburg/Derry area.  All are invited 5:30-7:30 pm to Trinity Lutheran Church, 331 We...

Westmoreland team to tackle Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail as part of annual Crucible Hike

The hike is a fundraiser for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit and its programs for military veterans. Participants will hike the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, starting at mile 70 in Seward and ending at mile zero in Ohiopyle State Park.

Getting Your Flu Shot Isn't Only About You, Doctors Say

If you plan to visit your grandparents during the holidays or meet your friend’s new baby in the next couple months, you should get your flu shot, experts say.

Research targeting vision loss topic of Latrobe Lions Sept. 24 program

The CEO of the Eye and Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh will visit Latrobe later this month to provide an update on local research that is under way to combat macular degeneration and other conditions that can lead to vision loss.

Abused kids are texting hotline for help, support

When it comes to verbalizing experiences of maltreatment — neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse — texting a hotline for support could be an invaluable resource for a child, according to a new study.

New housing opportunity for 60 and over in Westmoreland

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) is not a new concept ---its roots were as a “Grossdawdy Haus” in the 1880’s when Amish families used them as a way to keep loved ones near home. Today it has enormous potential for ser...

Jeannette schools to offer counseling to students, staff in wake of fatal shooting

As classes resume in Jeannette City School District after a fatal shooting outside McKee Stadium during a football game Friday, neighboring schools have extended a hand to help any Jeannette students who need help coping with the traumatic incident.

Westmoreland Conservancy will open Murrysville trail for people with mobility issues

“Too often people with mobility issues are overlooked when it comes to outdoor opportunities, and the conservancy means to remedy that,” Malley said.

October 4th: Mental Health America of SW PA Conference and Dinner

Finding Balance: Interventions for Modern Problems, Mental Health America of Southwestern PA's annual conference and dinner.

Podcast Series for Grandparents Raising Children due to Parents' SUD

Listen in to this new series from Saint Vincent College Psychology professor Dr. Jessica Black.

Living with childhood apraxia

While incurable, what is certain is that specialized and intensive speech therapy — sometimes lifelong — can help a child lead a productive life. Early intervention is a must.

Suicide awareness walk to spread ‘Hope’ in Greensburg’s Twin Lakes Park

“A Promise of Hope” is the theme for Westmoreland County’s 13th annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk, slated for Saturday at Twin Lakes Park near Greensburg.

Murrysville Meals on Wheels seeks kitchen volunteers

Four days a week, Murrysville Meals on Wheels volunteers prep meals at First Presbyterian Church’s Laird Hall from 8:15-11 a.m., before drivers make deliveries to between 50 and 60 clients.

Catch up with CASA

Read the newsletter and learn about Westmoreland County's Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Greensburg rally offers message of hope on National Overdose Awareness Day

“We need to keep these connections going. I always say that connection is the opposite of addiction.”

Gov. Wolf launches push for mandatory lead testing in children statewide

Even low levels of lead have been linked to a child's IQ and ability to pay attention, how well he or she does in school and other behavioral issues.

2019 Health and Education Expo, Oct. 23, Greensburg

Join the Area Agency on Aging and the Westmoreland County Commissioners for the annual Health & Education Expo at the Ramada, Greensburg. Download the flyer.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 am to 2 pm.

• Free Health, hearing, vision screenings
• Blood pressure, joint ...

Our Clubhouse Cancers Support Events-September

Our Clubhouse provides a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who has been touched by cancer. Those living with cancer at any age, as well as the family and friends who support them, are welcome to join Our Clubhouse and receive the social, emotion...

Area Agency on Aging's Fall Newsletter is here!

Download the newsletter here.

OPINION Patrick Kennedy: My brave cousin Saoirse was open about mental illness. Everyone should be.

"Hiding these struggles does not work; too many people live in isolated shame and even die, untreated or unsupported in treatment, because of it. "

PA Hotline to Assist Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Read on...

Pennsylvania will close two state centers for intellectually disabled

Many disability advocates believe community-based settings are far superior in caring for people and integrating them into the community, though family members of some who remain in institutions believe that is still the best place for their loved ones.

I knew my patient as her husband’s superhero caregiver. Then she dropped her mask.

When I saw Mrs. D. last week, it was the first time in years she had come into the office without her husband in tow.( Note: Find resources for caregivers in Westmoreland County at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/2270/Caregiver-Support-Group-Meetings )

Experts: Stop blaming mental illness for mass shootings

Grieving Harrison mother mentions suicide in daughter’s obituary to create awareness

Gibb joins an increasing number of families who are choosing to be more honest about cause of death in obituaries in an effort to break the stigma and start a conversation about suicide and overdoses that have long been taboo in obituaries.

Westmoreland Diversity Coalition announces events

Westmoreland Diversity Coalition invites the public to these upcoming events:

LGBTQ Training Workshops (Flyer)

     LGBTQ 101, August 15th, 9 am to noon OR 1-4 pm, in Greensburg $25

     Understanding Tra...

Summer 2019 Inside Line

The Summer 2019 Inside Line Newsletter is now available online. The Inside Line is a Newsletter is Published every other month by the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, Westmoreland County Commissioners and Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Did You Know? Information for Veterans and Friends of Veterans

Westmoreland County has a veteran population of approximately 28,000, according to VA estimates.  Westmoreland County and Westmoreland County Courts would like to remind those who have served, as well as friends, family and attorneys who represen...