President’s Letter
Happy New Year MSAND Members!!!
There are some exciting things happening around the state and I wanted to take this opportunity to share what the new regional coordinators have been planning. To kick off the new year, all 4 regions have collectively decided to host a FREE virtual CE opportunity to help get the word out about the newly reformed regions of MSAND. This event will be scheduled sometime at the end of February or the beginning of March and will be absolutely FREE to all registrants who sign up. Please be on the lookout for further information on date/time and how to register for this event.
Please mark your calendar for the coming 2022 Annual Conference that is scheduled for March 24-25 in Bay St Louis at the Hollywood Casino. We are so excited for this in-person event that will be full of CE and networking opportunities. MSAND is turning 75 this year so celebrate we have a social/networking event scheduled for the evening of March 24th. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see old faces that you haven’t seen for a while or to meet new RDNs from around our great state. Registration will be opening soon. We’d love to see you all there!
Take Care,
Lindsay Mixon
President-elect Letter
Happy New Year Everyone!
I don’t know about you, but this year has already had its ups and downs for me. I know, I know that is part of life, but I was ready for a little more “up”. So, I put up my Mardi Gras tree as a way to keep my focus on the ups. It helps me remember the good times and the support systems I have all around me.
One of the good times I’m focusing on is the 2022 Annual conference in Bay St. Louis March 24th and 25th. Registration will open next week for the full day as well as one day options. The conference planning committee is also having a grand time planning the commencement of our 75th Anniversary celebration.
I had the pleasure of attending President-elect virtual training January 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th. It has been so helpful to spend breakout sessions with other presidents-elect from states that are similar size to Mississippi as well as presidents-elect from our neighboring states. I have already started thinking about several plans I want to work on and I’ll want you input in the strategies to help us continue to grow.
The Academy’s Nutrition and Dietetics Advocacy Summit took place virtually January 25-27. Thank you to the MS-AND Public Policy Coordinator, Kyskie Bolton, for organizing a meeting with staff from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s office and staff from Senator Rodger Wicker’s office. See an article below for more information.
It was a pleasure meeting with the regional coordinators the week of January 24th. We are planning some great things in the next couple of months. Be on the look out for information from your regional coordinators:
- Northeast Region of MS-AND: Valerie Weivoda, Ellen Ossorio, and Whitney Sheffield
- Northwest Region of MS-AND: Linda Pennington
- Central Region of MS-AND: Elena Dent and Kathryn Johnson
- Gulf Coast Region of MS-AND: Brittany Simmons and Madison Davis
We are still on the look out for a co-coordinator to help Linda in the Delta region. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
I hope to see you at our Annual Meeting in March, or one of our regional events soon! I appreciate your work and your commitment to our profession. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Lydia West, President-elect
Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Advocacy Summit
Five MS-AND members participated in the 2022 Nutrition and Dietetics Advocacy Summit, held virtually. MS-AND Public Policy Coordinator, Kyskie Bolton, lead the group, which included Lydia West, Jessica Gamble, Ayanna Lynn, Bennett Ray Pope, and Lauren Sanders. This year’s summit focuses on two of the Academy’s top policy and advocacy efforts: medical nutrition therapy expansion and child nutrition. Attendees received training on these issues during the event and met with staff from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s office and staff from Senator Rodger Wicker’s office.
The training included:
- Persuasive Communication strategies from the Director-at-Large for the Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors, Mary Lee Chin
- Inspiration and motivation from Richard Boykin, an attorney with Barnes & Thornburg who is an expert in communication skills, and Connie Diekman, the ANDPAC Chair
- Kim Iles, the Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee reviewed the Academy’s public policy priorities
- Hannah Martin, Director, Legislative and Government Affairs at the Academy, and Liz Campbell, Senior Director, Legislative and Government Affairs at the Academy, gave details on the 2022 Advocacy Plan
- Wednesday included a breakout session on the details about the Child Nutrition efforts the Academy is making as well as a breakout session about how the Academy is working to increase access to medical nutrition therapy.
- This was followed by breakout sessions for beginners in advocacy and advanced advocacy.
- Wednesday concluded with inspiration and goal setting strategies from Arianne Corbett, member of the Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee and Manjushree Karkare.
It was a very successful advocacy summit.
MSAND Board Nominations
The nominating committee will begin reaching out for nominees to foil the following positions.
- President Elect
- Nominating Committee Member
- Professional Development Chair- Elect
We will run elections at the same time as national elections. If you would like to run for one of these offices or if you have someone in mind please reach out to one of the following nominating committee members.
- Karen Johnson – [email protected]
- Teresa Cartwright – [email protected]
- Edith Ezekwe – [email protected]
Job Opportunity
POSITION TITLE: Clinical Dietitian
JOB LOCATION: Choctaw Health Center
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Regular Part-Time/Exempt/Non-Essential
Mission Statement: The Mission of The Choctaw Health Center is to raise the health status of the Choctaw People to the highest level possible.
Vision Statement: Our vision is to achieve a health community through holistic health services in a culturally sensitive environment, in partnership with satisfied customers, dedicated employees, and the Choctaw Community
Act Now for MNT
Passage of the recently introduced Medical Nutrition Therapy Act would be a win-win for our profession and our communities – practitioners would receive more opportunities for reimbursement while also addressing the gap in care for seniors in the United States who only have access to MNT for diabetes and renal disease, a crucial step needed to achieve health equity for racial and ethnic minority populations. Please join the ACT now for MNT campaign if you have not yet done so! Once you have taken action, use the official ACT now for MNT campaign’s social media toolkit to spread the word! Don’t forget to tell five people (friends, colleagues, clients) to “ACT now for MNT” by sharing this public action alert.
Make Your Voice Heard
Use your voice as a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to advocate for better food, nutrition and health policies. Visit the Action Center at https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy to fill out the action alerts on these national pieces of legislation. Don’t forget that your family and friends who are not members of The Academy can also help us raise our voice by filling out the alters in the non-member section.
Foundation Award & Research Grant Applications Due February 1
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is accepting applications for its 2022 Awards and Research Grants. Over 35 applications are available, presenting opportunities for Academy members, credentialed practitioners, and students to apply for Foundation funding. All applications are accessible within the Foundation’s application portal and have a deadline of February 1 at 5:00 pm (Central Time). Emailed and hard copy applications will not be accepted or considered for funding. Any questions should be directed to Elisha Reichling, MS, RDN, LDN, Foundation Program Manager, at [email protected].
Congratulations 2021 Foundation Award Winners from Mississippi: David Holben and Nicole Reeder!
2022 National Academy Elections Start Next Week!
Get to know your 2022 candidates on the national ballot. Biographical information is available on the election website. You will shape the future of the Academy by exercising your member privilege to vote in the national Academy election taking place February 1-15. To add a reminder to your calendar to cast your ballot click here.
Academy Featured
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Kevin L. Sauer, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, represented the Academy on January 3 in a virtual ceremony closing Nasdaq’s trading day. Sauer joined Academy Spokespeople to celebrate Wellness Week. Click here to read more about the event.
Interprofessional Collaboration Workshop Recordings: Exploring the Role of Health Professional Students and Trainees as Members of the Health Workforce
The planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has organized a series of public workshops to explore whether students and trainees (e.g., interns) should be viewed as members of the health workforce, particularly in times of emergency as was experienced during the COVID-19 public health crisis. This excellent, six-part workshop, series brings together educators, students, administrators, and health professionals to share ideas, experiences, and data in an effort to discuss the role of learners during a crisis by drawing upon past experiences. Access this link to view the recorded 1.5-hour workshops.
January 2022 Monthly Message from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Chair
Becky Dorner, RDN, LD, FAND
Chair, 2021-2022
Happy New Year!
On behalf of our Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, we wish you a happy and successful 2022! We are looking forward to another year of contributing to the lives of hundreds of Academy members through our annual scholarships, awards and research grants. We would not be able to positively impact our members without your generous support. Our Foundation takes great pride and care to be good stewards of your financial contributions and ensure these resources help empower Academy members to help consumers live healthier lifestyles.
Our Foundation’s 2022 Award and Research Grant applications are currently open and I encourage you to check out these great opportunities – and freely share this information with your colleagues and students. There are awards for students as well as seasoned professionals such as continuing education, recognition, international and program development. Unless otherwise indicated, the application deadline for all awards and grants is February 1, 2022. These awards and grants empower our members and elevate our profession.
Another program that continues to grow and create resources that empower our Academy members is our Foundation Fellowship program, which deploys dynamic registered dietitian nutritionists in the U.S. and globally to address the greatest food and nutrition challenges throughout the world. I am pleased to announce Jody Vogelzang, PhD, RDN, FADA, FAND, CHES is our new “Advancing the Practice in Nutrition and Dietetics” Fellow. In this role, Jody will work closely with the Foundation and ACEND to lead a program of work that includes:
- Supporting the creation of standards for an advanced practice doctorate in nutrition program
- Coordinating all aspects of a clinical skills workshop for program directors, faculty, and preceptors
- Providing additional resources and materials based on ACEND Future Education Model data
Jody previously served as an assistant professor and program director at Grand Valley State University. She will be pursuing this fellowship full-time. She is a registered dietitian and holds a doctoral degree from Walden University. Jody completed her Master’s in Health Sciences degree from Grand Valley State University, and completed her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. She is an experienced educator and is a long time, active volunteer leader of the Academy and Foundation. We are happy to add her to our dynamic team of Fellows.
Thousands of Academy members donate to the Foundation each year to support our efforts. Please remember the Foundation with a gift this year when renewing your Academy membership online or donate today. There is no better way to invest in the future of our profession!
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Nominate for the Academy’s Highest Awards
Recognize those who have advanced the profession, exhibited leadership and shown devotion to serving others in both nutrition and dietetics, as well as allied fields, by submitting an intent to nominate by January 15, 2022, and completing the full online nomination by March 1, 2022. There are eleven Excellence in Practice categories, so don’t miss your chance to nominate a deserving candidate. Award recipients will be announced in May 2022 and recognized at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2022 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL. Learn More
Opportunities to Serve Survey Available
If you are interested in volunteering for an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics committee, complete the Opportunities to Serve Survey. We are seeking diverse leaders in support of the Academy’s IDEA Action Plan. The survey is now available and will be available through January 20, 2022. Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R5QC6N8
Apply to Become an Academy National Media Spokesperson
Are you frequently quoted in the media for your expertise in food and nutrition? If so, consider applying to join the Academy’s landmark volunteer media Spokesperson Program. Three-year Spokesperson terms begin June 1, 2022. Openings are available in a number of geographical and practice specialty areas. The application deadline is February 4.
- Learn more about our program: Academy’s landmark volunteer media Spokesperson Program
- Apply here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/media/meet-our-spokespeople/spokespeople/become-an-academy-media-spokesperson
EAL Update: Celiac Disease Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline
The Evidence Analysis Center is pleased to announce the publication of the Celiac Disease Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline. Visit the EAL at www.andeal.org/celiac to see the results of this important initiative.
EAL: Call for Content Advisors
The Evidence Analysis Center is seeking content experts to conduct a comprehensive scoping review to evaluate and examine the extent, range and nature of research on energy expenditure in the critically ill population in order to inform nutrition practice. Learn more at https://www.andeal.org/get-involved)
International Volunteer Opportunity
The Academy’s Nutrition Care Process Research Outcomes (NCPRO) Committee is seeking volunteers to join the International NCPRO Subcommittee. This subcommittee provides international expertise and advice to the NCPRO Committee for maintenance and continuing development of the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT). The International Workgroup promotes and contributes to make the NCPT useful internationally. Click here to learn more.
Join the Academy’s New Telehealth Discussion Board
Are you currently delivering nutrition related services via telehealth or thinking about doing so in the future? Join the Academy’s new Telehealth Discussion Board to network with fellow Academy members in focused areas of practice and practice settings. This Member benefit is a new addition to the Academy’s existing Telehealth resources. Learn more: https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/practice-resources/telehealth/telehealth-discussion-board
Nutrition Care Manual® Products
Nutrition Care Manual®Products are comprehensive online diet manuals and professional practice resources for RDNs, NDTRs, allied health professionals, and healthcare facilities. The manuals are purchased by annual subscription with preferred pricing for Academy members. NCM® products include:
Nutrition Care Manual®
Created and peer-reviewed by specialty experts, the NCM® contains information and resources for over 200 conditions. Features include a customizable diet manual, client education handouts, menu customization and analysis, calculators and much more.
Pediatric Nutrition Care Manual®
PNCM® covers over 150 major topics, including normal nutrition for all pediatric life stages, food allergies, nutrition support, neonatal care, developmental disabilities and weight management.
Sports Nutrition Care Manual®
SNCM® provides easy access to research-based sports nutrition information on many topics such as vegetarian athletes, managing weight, hydration, meal-planning, and nutrition for injury recovery and rehabilitation.
Join the Academy’s Affinity Groups
Connect with fellow members on top policy priorities and learn how you can get involved by attending the Academy’s monthly affinity group meetings. Click here to register for the upcoming meetings and join the COI for each affinity group. For any questions, contact [email protected].
Quality Strategy and Health Equity Guide
The revised Quality Strategy and Health Equity Guide showcases major areas of the National Quality Strategy, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Action Plan and Social Determinants of Health tools and resources. The guide also features a plethora of opportunities for RDN and NDTR involvement. Learn more.
Diversity and Health Equity Category in Definition of Terms List
The Academy’s Definition of Terms List has a new category, Diversity and Health Equity. This category includes terms such as: Access to Health Care and/or Services, Culturally Appropriate Care, Diversity and Inclusion, Health Disparities, Health Equity, Implicit Bias, and Social Determinants of Health. The definitions serve as standardized language for consistent application in practice settings and Academy documents Learn More.