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Non-Discrimination Policy

The purpose of this Non-Discrimination Policy (the “Policy”) is intended to provide procedural guidance to the Allegheny County Health Department (“ACHD”) to ensure the prompt, effective, and efficient resolution of civil rights grievances consistent with the applicable civil rights laws. This policy shall operate in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Allegheny County code. This policy is not intended to address substantive civil rights policy or legal standards or processes outside of the ACHD’s jurisdiction and responsibility to comply with the federal civil rights law described below.

Applicability

At the outset, this policy is not intended to address or replace procedures for appealing permits or otherwise offering public comments on pending permits or decisions. Nor is the ACHD required to hold any permit or license due to a Title VI Complaint, unless a specific circumstance indicated that would be appropriate. This policy is intended to provide an informal resolution process for discrete instances of alleged discrimination based on a list of given classes.

Disclaimer

The policies and procedures outlined in this guidance document are intended to supplement existing requirements. Nothing in the policies or procedures shall affect regulatory requirements. The policies and procedures herein are not an adjudication or a regulation. There is no intent on the part of the Department to give the rules in these policies that weight or deference. This document establishes the framework within which the Department will exercise its administrative discretion in the future. The Department reserves the discretion to deviate from this policy statement if circumstances warrant.

Policy

I. Notice of the ACHD’s Non-Discrimination Policy Under Title VI

Public notice of ACHD’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (“Policy”) shall be prominently posted in the ACHD’s offices available in print and online on the ACHD’s website. The policy shall also be included in appropriate literature addressing environmental justice concerns.

The ACHD’s Policy is stated below:

The Allegheny County Health Department (“ACHD”), does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), disability, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), age, or religion in the administration of its programs and activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The ACHD is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Part 5 and part 7 (Nondiscrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”), Title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), and with the Allegheny County home rule charter, ordinances, and policies as amended. This policy is to be read in conjunction with Article I of the Allegheny County Health Department’s Rules and Regulations and Division 2, Chapter 215, Article V of the Allegheny County Rules and Regulations. If you have any questions about this notice or any of ACHD’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact

John McGowan, Esq.

Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator

542 Fourth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-578-8074

Fax: 412-578-8325

Email: john.mcgowan@alleghenycounty.us

Upon request, the ACHD will make available language assistance for individuals who require interpreting services such individuals with Limited English Proficiency or those who require Sign Language Services. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Allegheny County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Allegheny County will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in Allegheny County programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.

II. Notice of the ACHD’s Anti-Discrimination Policy Under Title VI

The ACHD shall appoint an employee to act as the coordinator for all Title VI complaints. At no point shall this position be empty or lapsed. The duties of the Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will be as follows, and may be amended as needed

Ensures information regarding the ACHD’s Non-Discrimination Policy is available internally and externally
Ensures that the Policy is publicly available on the ACHD’s website and in associated brochures and written materials
Ensures that policies and procedures for the receipt and processing of complaints under the Policy are maintained and followed
Ensures that complaints received are appropriately tracked and reviewed
Ensure that records and investigative files for complaints received are maintained for a minimum of three (3) years
Trains the ACHD staff on ACHD’s Policy in cooperation with the ACHD Solicitor
Provides, in consultation with the ACHD Solicitor, written updates to complainants on the progress of investigations
Annual review of grievance procedures (for both in-print and online materials), and revision as necessary, to ensure prompt and fair resolution of discrimination complaints

III. How to Submit a Complaint

Individuals may submit a complaint of discrimination regarding ACHD services, programs, and activities by completing and submitting the ACHD Non-Discrimination Complaint Form.

The Non-Discrimination Complaint Form(PDF, 244KB) should be sent to the ACHD’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator by email or postal mail as shown below.

For questions on how to file a complaint, please contact ACHD’s Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator