Healthy Habits 4 Pa

02/23/2026

In the mid-1980s, Velma Scantlebury arrived in Pittsburgh. She wanted to be a pediatric surgeon, but needed more research experience to strengthen her application for fellowship programs.

She landed in the mecca of liver transplantation — one of the few places in the country doing liver transplants at the time, led by Thomas Starzl.

She would stay in Pittsburgh for nearly two decades, doing research and then a pediatric surgery fellowship on her way to becoming the first Black female transplant surgeon in the U.S. She is one of several Black medical pioneers in Pittsburgh and is featured in the “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation” exhibit at the Heinz History Center.

“She’s not someone from 100 years ago — she’s still practicing medicine today,” said Samuel Black, director of the African American Program at the Heinz History Center. “We were just elated to tell her story.”

Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2026/02/22/velma-scantlebury-pittsburgh-transplantation/stories/202602160079

02/19/2026

Before healthcare equity was a national conversation, Rebecca Cole was already doing the work.

A graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth, the founding institution that would later become Cheyney University, Dr. Rebecca Cole became one of the first Black women physicians in the United States. She dedicated her career to improving sanitation, access to care, and health outcomes in underserved communities at a time when both race and gender were used to limit opportunity.

Her work was not about recognition.
It was about responsibility.

Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, Cheyney University has long prepared leaders to enter spaces where they were never expected and serve communities that were too often overlooked.
This is not just Black history.
This is American history.






BlackDoctors
PublicHealthHistory
AmericanHistory
HBCULegacy
CheyneyIsBlackHistory

02/19/2026

02/18/2026

Red wasn’t just a color this month, it was a commitment. ❤️

Our 62+ crew showed up for their hearts, their health, and each other.

Movement.
Education.
Laughter.
Community.

This is what it looks like when you don’t just attend a program, but belong to something bigger.

We’re making wellness make sense.

For every generation.

🚨 Reminder: This upcoming Saturday is FITNESS ONLY. Doors Open at 830am. Class at 9am.

Sign Up: https://forms.gle/7brQ8pq9eb1q1jWd9

This is more than a program — it’s a movement.

02/10/2026

From our older adults to our youth, wellness is something we experience together.

At Healthy Habits, movement isn’t about age.. it’s about access, consistency, and community.

This is how healthy habits are built for life. 🫡

02/07/2026

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Catherine Udekwu, MD of UPMC CCP – Pittsburgh.

Dr. Udekwu was a truly remarkable pediatrician whose compassion, warmth, and clinical excellence touched the lives of countless children and families. After graduating from the University of Nigeria and completing her residency at UPMC Mercy, she established her practice in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, where she became a trusted and beloved presence in the community. In 2024, her extraordinary dedication was recognized by former Mayor Ed Gainey, who proclaimed September 25 as Dr. Catherine Udekwu Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Her loss leaves an immeasurable void.

We know this news is incredibly difficult for many in our patient community. Dr. Udekwu meant so much to the families she served, and her impact will live on in the lives she helped shape.

02/06/2026

❤️ Flash Back Friday ❤️

One of our most anticipated senior wellness experiences! 85 seasoned adults in the room, all showing up in red for heart health.

What started as an idea turned into consistency. And now? Something our 62+ crew truly look forward to. That’s how you know it matters.

This is more than movement. It’s connection. Routine. Community.

It’s them saying, “I’ll see you next time.”

As we get ready for our February 7th Senior Wellness Experience, we’re bringing that same red energy back ‼️

Because making wellness make sense means meeting people where they are.

Join us tomorrow Saturday, Feb. 7
❤️ Wear red for Heart Health Month ❤️

📍 Best of The Batch Clubhouse
⏰ Doors open at 8:00 AM
☎️ Questions? 412-944-4460
✍🏾 Register: https://forms.gle/7brQ8pq9eb1q1jWd9

MakingWellnessMakeSense

02/03/2026

We’re back with the Senior Saturday Experience!

This Saturday Feb 7th join us + our Healthy Habits crew for a day of movement, education and community!

Wear red for heart health month ❤️

📍Best of The Batch Clubhouse
⏰ Doors open at 8am
☎️ Questions? 412.944.4460
✍🏾 https://forms.gle/7brQ8pq9eb1q1jWd9

01/28/2026

We’ve been a little quiet… but the work never stopped.

Over the past month, Healthy Habits continued serving our seniors, completed our first fall youth cohort, and started preparing for our new spring partnerships. All while strengthening our internal systems and relationships behind the scenes.

Our focus remains the same: culturally-rooted, community-driven work that makes wellness make sense. For every generation.

What’s coming next matters 💚🧡