Connecticut Dietetic Association

Delegate: Paula Kellogg Leibovitz
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The virtual HOD meeting took place May 1-2 with delegates connecting via a Web based platform on the ADA Web site specially designed for the House. Health and Nutrition Literacy and Management and Leadership across practice were the two mega issues discussed and the backgrounders on both topics are available on the ADA Website (eatright.org > Member > Governance > House of Delegates > Mega Issues and Backgrounders).

Health Nutrition Literacy

The backgrounder on this issue identifies many resources for increasing knowledge in this area. Look for additional resources particularly the new Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) “Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit”. While this resource is targeted to primary care physicians, the principles and tools are applicable to other healthcare providers and other settings.

In order for ADA and our members to improve health and nutrition literacy the identified priority was the need to partner with professional associations and government agencies. Important skills and knowledge needed include health literacy assessment skills; application of health literacy principles in developing education materials; engagement of clients utilizing teaching/coaching methods; tailoring information to meet client’s needs; and, understand the research in this area.

Management and Leadership Across Practice

Based on the dialogue for this topic, a series of guiding principles were identified regarding the actions for individuals and ADA organizational units. These include: showcase leadership and management opportunities; utilize mentoring; consider leadership and management skills for developing a roadmap to success; foster leadership leading to increased competence and confidence (ADA organizational units); build communication skills, embody leadership mindset early in career, and encourage mentoring throughout career (individuals); and develop a management or leadership credential or certification program (ADA).
On a personal note, I would encourage each of you to consider taking a more active role in CDA. Consider volunteering for a committee or running for office. If you don’t have the time to do this, take part in the action alerts for public policy issues and please respond to any surveys. (Look for a survey soon regarding pursuing licensure in CT.)

FNCE Update: Preceptor Recruiting Drive –
Meeting the National Need for Qualified RDs and DTRs

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this important session that will take place on Sunday, November 6 from 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Practitioners will learn about the personal and professional rewards of mentoring students or teaching students the skills to become RDs or DTRs, while helping to combat the profession’s greatest challenge in meeting the demand for competent practitioners. Opportunities will be available for you to meet with representatives from dietetics-education programs who can talk with you about becoming a preceptor and show you how to get CE credit as you develop your precepting skills

ADA Position Paper Published

The update for the ADA Position entitled Integration of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Pharmacotherapy is published in the June 2010 Journal of the American Dietetic Association. You can access the paper at the following link: http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=8380.

Do you have an issue for ADA?

There is a process for members to submit issues, questions, requests for assistance to ADA. The Issues Management Committee refers requests to the appropriate ADA unit or committee for response which is typically within 8 business days. So, don’t stew if you have an issue or need help. Send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text52761 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include your ADA member number, description of issue, and what you would like to see happen.