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February 2015
In This Issue
Volunteers Needed
Bring in New Expanded Members
New Obesity Prevention Funding Matrix
ASPHN Participating in Workforce Development Initiatives
2014 Member Survey Results
Robin Stanton Publishes Journal Article
ASPHN Announces 2014 Success Stories
Attend the Next F&V Coordinators' Call
Meet our Social Media Intern
New Opportunity to Get Involved
Get to Know the ASPHN Consultants
About ASPHN
Help ASPHN Make a Difference 
Volunteers needed for two Policy Committee subcommittees
The ASPHN Policy Committee is currently recruiting members to serve on two ad hoc subcommittees, WIC Food Packages and Advocating for Prevention and Wellness.

WIC Food Packages 
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is currently accepting public comments as part of its comprehensive review of the WIC food packages.  The IOM will assess the nutritional status and food and nutritional needs of the WIC-eligible population and provide specific evidence-based recommendations.  This ASPHN subcommittee will monitor the IOM's review and draft ASPHN comments.   
 
Advocating for Prevention and Wellness  
This ad hoc subcommittee will discuss how ASPHN can best advocate for a greater emphasis on prevention and wellness at the federal level.  The subcommittee will develop recommendations for strategies and actions.

Contact Sandy Perkins if you have questions or if you are interested in participating on either subcommittee.

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Recruit Your Fellow Nutritionists to Join ASPHN  
Remember, recent bylaws changes now make public health  nutritionists in state departments of human services, education, agriculture and aging - as well as health - eligible for Expanded Membership in ASPHN.  Just complete the Expanded Member application and send it to Allison McGuigan.

Matrix Highlights Federally Funded Nutrition Programs in Obesity Prevention 

In 2014, the ASPHN Obesity Prevention Nutrition Steering Committee created a matrix that provides information on select federal nutrition programs that work toward achieving the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Division of Nutrition Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) recommended strategies for state public health actions to prevent and control obesity.  It is our hope that by describing program requirements and activities, this document will encourage collaboration at the state level.  This new reference, developed with the support of DNPAO, is now available on the ASPHN website.

We
hope you find this resource helpful.  Please give us your suggestions to improve the listing as well as your ideas for additional examples we can include.  Send your suggestions to Sandy Perkins.

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Workforce Development
ASPHN is involved in national initiatives  

Karen Probert, ASPHN's Executive Director, represents the Association on the National Consortium for Public Health Workforce Development.  The National Consortium includes representatives from major national public health professional associations and federal public health agencies.  The group is working to identify crosscutting knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by all disciplines in the public health workforce.  Cross-cutting topics such as systems thinking, change management, adaptability, and communicating persuasively have emerged as priorities.  These skills are to complement discipline-specific expertise.

You can contact Karen for more information on the National Consortium.  The Journal of Public Health Management and Practice also has an informative article on the Consortium.

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Results Available for 2014 ASPHN Member Survey 
Do you know what your ASPHN colleagues think are the top emerging nutrition issues, or which speakers they recommend?  In September 2014, ASPHN conducted its annual member assessment survey.  The survey included questions on training, member needs and demographics.  Check out the report summarizing the survey results, which is now available on the ASPHN website.

 

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ASPHN Member Robin Stanton Publishes Journal Article   
ASPHN MCH Nutrition Council chair, Robin Stanton, is a co-author of the article, "The Future of MCH Nutrition Services: A Commentary on the Importance of Supporting Leadership Training to Strengthen the Nutrition Workforce."  The article appeared in the January 15, 2105 edition of Maternal and Child Health Journal.  Robin's piece highlights ASPHN, the MCH Nutrition Council and several ASPHN publications.  Congratulations Robin! 

ASPHN Announces 2014 Success Stories 
ASPHN is proud to release our 2014 Success Stories.  These stories highlight  ASPHN members' innovative work in their state agencies to promote healthy eating for all Americans.

"Our members are developing new ways for everyone to access fresh produce and other quality foods," said ASPHN Executive Director Karen Probert. "These public health nutritionists are working every day to make the healthy choice the easy choice," she said.

"Our goal in writing these success stories is not only to highlight our members' work that is truly making a difference in people's lives," Probert added, "but also to inspire others to replicate these successful programs in their states or expand on them to create an even greater impact on Americans' nutritional well being."

You can view all of these stories on the new Eat and Run Story Bank page on  ASPHN's website.  For more information, contact Lynda Alfred, ASPHN Consultant.

Calling All Fruit and Vegetable Coordinators 
The National Council of Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Coordinators offers monthly training calls for Council members.  These trainings take place on the first Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:00pm ET.  To find out about upcoming trainings, please visit the Fruit and Vegetable Council webpage.  Questions?  Contact Joan Atkinson.

ASPHN Has a Social Media Intern 

This winter, graduate student Jamie Bachaus is keeping ASPHN active on social media!  Jamie posts timely information regularly to ASPHN's Facebook and Twitter accounts.  She is also building partnerships with similar organizations by "liking" their Facebook pages and by inviting members and others to "like" ASPHN's page.

Jamie is a graduate research assistant in public health nutrition at the University of Washington School of Public Health.

Thanks Jamie!

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A New Opportunity to Get Involved 
Are you interested in getting involved in an ASPHN project?  Consider joining our new Donations Compliance Team.  The team will review donations from organizations and corporations to ensure they are in compliance with the Association's Donations Policy.  Contact Takako Tagami or Suzanne Haydu for more information and to join the team.

 

Get to Know the ASPHN Consultants   
This month, we are featuring ASPHN Consultant Cyndi Atterbury, MPA, RD, LDN.  Cyndi is ASPHN's Director of Operations, and she has been with ASPHN since 2000.  She is responsible for all things financial and logistical.  And she manages all of ASPHN's electronic and paper communications.  Cyndi says, "My office is the hub of ASPHN here in Johnstown, PA."

Cyndi loves to learn about the great work our members are doing .  "I especially love seeing the annual meeting come together," she said.  "It can be hectic but very rewarding.

Cyndi has three daughters in college.  "I just love when we are all together," she said.  "I just sit back and enjoy them laughing and being together."

About ASPHN
The Association of State Public Health Nutritionists  (ASPHN) is a non-profit membership organization that develops leaders in public health nutrition who strengthen policy, programs and

environments, making it possible for everyone to make healthy food choices and achieve healthy, active lifestyles.

 

Our vision is to create new environmental norms where healthy eating and active living are the easy and natural choices for all Americans.  We welcome your involvement in our growing organization.  Learn more about us at About ASPHN.