The Signature Event of the Year
Academy members mingled at ANDPAC’s Signature Event with nutrition education champion, Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham from New Mexico, a strong supporter of robust public health programs.
Held in downtown Washington, D.C. at the historic National Press Club, ANDPAC donors heard inspirational stories from Representative Lujan Grisham about hunger, food deserts and nutrition education. She enthused attendees with her motivational words: “This is the group that is going to cure diabetes. This is the group that is going to get Congress to score prevention programs. I want to be associated with people like you who are on the ground making a difference!”
Academy President, Dr. Glenna McCollum MPH, RDN concluded the event by saying, “She truly understands what we do and that we can change the world!”
The Other Side of the Table
PPW attendees gained a unique perspective from an accomplished set of panel members comprised of registered dietitian nutritionists who have been elected to office. This distinguished panel provided insight into what it is like on the other side of the table. Mayors Libby Coates, MBA, RD, LD and Jackie Sergent, MPH, RD, LDN and state legislator Martha McCloud, MOE, RD, LD and former state legislator Carol Pitts, RD told the audience what resonates with them when they meet with advocates. Martha highlighted the importance of finding out what your legislators care about and telling them why an issue matters to you. Libby reinforced the communications messages from the previous day when she said, “There is power in numbers, especially when they are organized and concise.” Jackie stated, “If you ever want anything to happen, you have to talk to people in all kinds of places and locations.” Carol moved every member in the audience when she said, “Never give up. Decisions are not made until the votes are in.”
All of the panelists identified a variety of dietetics skills that translate to politics. The inspiring session ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Are You HITECH
The HITECH Act is driving health system changes for both patients and providers to use electronic data that “follows the patient.” To ensure that data is exchanged between care settings, mandated health IT standards and vocabularies must be adopted and used. Academy’s Nutrition Informatics Committee is ensuring nutrition care is included as a critical component.
ACA: Prevention at the Center
The Affordable Care Act’s focus on prevention is expected to change delivery systems and reimbursement. A group of member experts highlighted the way in which RDNs and DTRs practice may be significantly impacted and encouraged Academy members to leverage these opportunities.
Feeding Our Children
One of the largest reauthorizations, impacting the health of 30 million children, is set to occur in 2015. A sneak peak at the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization, which authorizes the School Meals Programs, Farm to School, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) was discussed during PPW, getting members ready to support robust nutrition programs.