Last week you learned more about our state delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Katie McDonald. This week, she is writing to provide information about what the House of Delegates (HOD) does and seek feedback from you about the latest mega issue that they are tackling: public health nutrition.
HOD Background: The House of Delegates is charged by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to govern the profession of dietetics. Delegates to the HOD are elected from 106 affiliates and practice groups of the AND. The HOD is convened twice each year to conduct business and discuss one or two “mega issues,” the overriding concerns and key strategic questions for the AND in the next five to ten years. Input from members is crucial in determining the future of dietetics.
What’s happening now in the HOD? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 shifts the focus of health care from treatment to prevention of disease. This change offers opportunities for medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions and employee-wellness-incentive programs. In response to the Affordable Care Act, AND identified a strategic plan for enhancing the relevance of public health nutrition within the Academy and increasing the Academy’s visibility in the public health community.
The current mega issue question before the HOD is: In an evolving health services environment, how can AND members seize opportunities and provide leadership in public health nutrition and community nutrition?
What do AND members need to do?
Read the following documents: HOD Fact Sheet, Backgrounder, and Executive Summary.
Think about the following questions and put your thoughts into an email before September 28, 2012, to katie.mcdonald@imail.org
- What are your experiences (volunteer and paid) with public health nutrition?
- What does the Academy need to do help build your knowledge and interest in the area of practice?
- How can the Academy more fully integrate public health and community nutrition into the profession of dietetics?
Thank you for the opportunity to represent the Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Your comments are always welcome!
-Katie McDonald PhD, RD, CD – House of Delegates, Utah Affiliate