America on the Move Celebrates One-Year Anniversary With a Walking Event Through Downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH-The America on the Move in Pittsburgh initiative (AOM), which is hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, will conduct a Celebration Walk Through Downtown Pittsburgh Friday, Sept. 21, from noon to 1 p.m. The event is a part of AOM's one-year anniversary in the city. Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato will attend as a guest of honor.

Activities will begin at the Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant St., with opening remarks from KDKA-TV personalities Stephanie Watson and Alison Morris. Onorato will deliver the proclamation and recognize the community partners of the initiative. The 1.25-mile walk will commence at 12:15 p.m. and is scheduled to end at approximately 12:45 p.m. in Market Square. Leslie Sansone and the In-Home Walking Team will conduct concluding activities.

"AOM has had a significant impact on the city of Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region," said John Jakicic, associate professor and chair of Pitt's Department of Health and Physical Activity and director of AOM in Pittsburgh since its inception in 2006. "Small but sustainable steps are resulting in significant improvement in the health of the people in our region."

The America on the Move in Pittsburgh initiative is part of a nationwide initiative through the America on the Move Foundation, a national nonprofit organization. Its mission is to improve health and quality of life by promoting healthy eating and active living among individuals, families, communities, and society. In its first year, the organization has hosted numerous events to raise health awareness and initiate fitness programs. There are currently 7,000 members in Pittsburgh, with approximately 300 to 500 new members each month.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jakicic at

412-488-4182 or jjakicic@pitt.edu.

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9/12/07/tmw