WalkWorks

If you have been looking for an easy, fun, and free way to increase your physical activity, seize the opportunity! Walking is a great way to improve your health and have fun with your family and friends of all ages.

What is WalkWorks?

To increase opportunities for physical activity, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Center for Public Health Practice to create a network of fun, fact-filled, community-based walking routes and walking groups. WalkWorks:         

• Identifies and promotes safe walking routes;
• Offers social support through guided, community-based walking groups;
  
• Helps schools develop walk-to-school programs; and
  
• Addresses local policies to increase safe walking routes.
  

So, start walking today! Find a local walking route and walking group near you in one of the following areas:

1. Allegheny County
2. Beaver County
   
3. Blair County
4. Cameron County
5. Chester County
6. Dauphin County-Capitol Complex
7. Delaware County
8. Fayette County
9. Indiana County
   
10. Lancaster County
11. McKean County
12. Monroe County
13. Northampton County
14. Philadelphia County
15. Schuylkill County
    
16. Tioga County
17. York County
    

Throughout the last couple of years, WalkWorks has published a number of case studies and policy briefs. All of these were researched and developed in support of and to promote increased opportunities for physical activity. While the documents are or will be available on our website, a couple that we are presently highlighting are the following:

At the Intersection of Public Health and Transportation Policy, a case study, postulates a jurisdiction in which a legislative body mandates the connection and collaboration of health and transportation is well-positioned to adopt substantive policies and programs and, ultimately, to enhance the livability of its communities and yield a positive impact on the health of the population. Having addressed the value of legislation, specifically in Massachusetts, the case study concludes with recommendations for consideration in Pennsylvania ranging from orienting elected officials about the link of transportation policy and public health to formally introducing legislation.

This policy brief, Moving Toward Shared Responsibility for Population Health Incorporating Health in All Policies, calls for agencies to adopt a health in all policies philosophy by incorporating health in all future deliberations as well as plans and policies. Further, the policy brief reflects on the importance of collaboration across sectors – education, health, municipal planning, transportation and others – in the development of land use and transportation plans and policies.