ASPHN 2019-2020 Annual Report |
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Advancing Healthy Living for Everyone |
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About Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN)
ASPHN is a nonprofit membership organization that provides national and state leadership on food and nutrition policy, programs and services.
Our Vision
Healthy eating and active living for everyone.
Our Mission
To strengthen nutrition policy, programs and environments for all people through development of public health nutrition leaders and collective action of members nationwide.
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Nutrition is a right, not a privilege. The gross inequities in nutrition that have been experienced in our nation for years have now been brought to the forefront of the public consciousness by the COVID-19 pandemic. ASPHN stands with our members as they continually adapt to their daily work to best meet the needs of people in their state and local programs, especially those populations who have been made vulnerable by systemic racism.
During this critical response time, I am both humbled and very proud to introduce the 2019-2020 ASPHN Annual Report. The collection of news and updates that follows demonstrates the long-standing commitment of ASPHN to pursue equity in all of its organizational process and program outcomes. The ASPHN Board has recently strengthened that commitment with the release of ASPHN's action statement on equity.
First, I'd like to thank the many members who are using our national public health nutrition network to share best practices, resources and collegial support through participation in ASPHN Committees, Councils and the Board. Your commitment to advance healthy living for all locally is advancing healthy living for all nationally.
Next, I'll call to your attention the timely new and continuing projects and products.
We have responded to COVID-19 by beginning several new projects related to effective leadership in COVID-19, including the Clean Away COVID and reliable information in COVID-19 Landing Page projects.
ASPHN programs have also adapted to continue to strengthening members' state work, while giving them space to respond to challenges in their daily work.These programs include the WIC Developmental Monitoring Project and the HOP Farm to School Supplemental Funding Project. The Health Equity Internship Program is also making health and safety changes, as well as expanding positions to offer focused experience in COVID-19 work.
Broad access to regular webinars, leadership and mentoring activities continue to be offered by ASPHN via its virtual operations. makes possible the nationwide implementation of evidence-informed practices, ASPHN's first virtual Annual Meeting.
On-going ASPHN projects include support for capacity building in Farm to ECE, WIC child development referrals, and breastfeeding engagement through increasing access to breastfeeding support.
ASPHN also equips national, state and local nutrition policy advocates through the foundational skills webinar training series, Moving Public Health Nutrition Policies Forward.
Finally, I warmly express my gratitude to our members and the Board for the opportunity to serve ASPHN as President. It has been a tremendous growth experience and I have immensely enjoyed forging strong relationships among this exceptional group of public health nutrition leaders.
Sincerely,
ASPHN Past-President
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NEW ASPHN PROJECTS
PRODUCT UPDATES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
COIIN UPDATES
COLLABORATION UPDATES
POLICY UPDATES
COUNCIL UPDATES
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
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ASPHN projects build capacity in state programs to deliver opportunities for healthy living to everyone. |
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Reaching WIC Clients with Advice on Cleaning and Disinfectant Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has our nation searching the best way to stay safe. Without proper information on its use, disinfectants are making people sick.
The Clean Away COVID program has the opportunity to reach WIC staff and participants with critical information to clean their bodies, food and household surfaces the right way. The research and development of this June 2020-July 31, 2021 project is lead by new ASPHN consultant Kyle Unland.
Project Goals
- Develop a working relationship with Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) and other organizations/staff to develop information.
- Train WIC staff how to educate clients on preventing infectious disease through personal behaviors, food handling/clean food preparation area, and household cleaning practices.
- Develop and disseminate information for WIC participants
- Implement quality improvement methods and measures to assure accountability and national replicability.
What's Next
The intent is to communicate on the this project's progress on a quarterly basis. Watch for updates in the ASPHN Newsletter.
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Most members (82%) believe their engagement with ASPHN has helped them do their job better.
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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ASPHN.org Launches the
COVID-19 Landing Page
The new COVID-19 web page on ASPHN.org provides a curated list of links to accurate and reliable COVID-19-related information from ASPHN partners and funders.
The page is being reviewed, updated and expanded on a regular basis and has become the fourth most visited page on ASPHN’s website.
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ASPHN COVID-19 Facebook Group Connects Members for Sharing and Support
The ASPHN COVID-19 Facebook Group is a members-only benefit created to provide a safe, private forum where members can connect in order to share state, local and tribal COVID-19 strategies and resources, as well as offer feedback and support for one another.
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HOP Farm to School (F2S) Project Flexes to Support Recipients During the Pandemic
ASPHN partnered with the National Farm to School Network to provide Farm to School technical assistance, networking calls and the February Farm to School Action Institute as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one-year HOP Farm to School (F2S) Supplementary Funding Project.
Networking Call Highlights
- 6 networking calls
- Focus areas related to F2S included equity and effective messaging
- 75 participant average attendance
F2S Action Institute
- 2-day interactive meeting at the CDC Global Communications Center
- 110 attendees, including state teams, CDC attendees, organizers and speakers.
- Travel support for one person from each state
Participating States
14 High Obesity Program (HOP) recipients: AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, ND, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV and WI.
Participants executed work plans for F2S new projects that paralleled existing F2S activities, but in April the project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each participant team determined independently whether they would finish their work in 2020 or carry it over to 2021, though the TA provided by ASPHN was completed in May 2020.
Praise for CDC HOP Farm to School (F2S) Supplementary Funding Project:
“I learned how to better facilitate the F2S conversation between producers and schools/ECE providers, how to better market F2S programs, how to promote equity in F2S, and made a more clear plan for our F2S program moving forward.”
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ASPHN products guide the implementation of evidence-informed policies and practices in public health nutrition.
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The WIC Developmental Monitoring Project "Learn the Signs. Act Early" Adapts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The WIC Developmental Monitoring Project has just reached the end of year two.
Program Goal
The program aims to build the capacity of states to adapt, adopt, implement and assess the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” WIC model into their own WIC clinics. WIC staff will be equipped to identify earlier and address the developmental concerns of the one in six children in the U.S. with a developmental disability.
Participating States
- Three funded states: Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Nevada. The
- Six technical assistance state: Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and the Virgin Islands.
The three funded states completed their pilot implementation and were set to start their statewide rollout between March and July 2020 until WIC clinics shutdown and statewide implementation was halted due to COVID-19. During that time participants' focus shifted to sharing information on their social media platforms about CDC’s Milestone Tracker App as well as promoting the app during appointments.
Progress Highlights
- Funded states have completed their pilot program.
- Technical assistance states have implemented some portion of the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Program into their clinics.
- Online developmental milestone modules are in development.
What's Next
- ASPHN has been awarded additional funding for year 3 to add 2 additional states to the project.
- Plans are being made for a virtual model.
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Additional Resources Support the Blind Vendor Training Guide
ASPHN has newly developed a training webinar and key message posters to support the ASPHN Blind Vendors Training Guide.
The Guide
The Guide is a 31-page resource for nutrition professionals who create educational trainings for blind vendors and Business Enterprise Program partners. The guide includes valuable data on topics which vendors identify as paramount to better, healthful vending services and customer satisfaction.
New Training Webinar
The Vendors Training Guide Webinar, hosted by ASPHN on April 15, 2020, reviewed key components of the guide, identified consumer and vending trends, addressed key challenges as identified by vendor data, and shared messaging resources to guide effective communication when working with vendors.
New Key Message Posters
New posters contain key message reminders for public health nutritionists working with vendors. Download and share these posters to stay on point when developing trainings for blind vendors.
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ASPHN Launches the Public Health Nutritionists Hall of Fame on the See It. Say It. Share It. Website
ASPHN's See It. Say It. Share It. web-based marketing campaign is actively promoting the value of public health nutritionists. The campaign is built around five sound bites, which communicate key focus areas of public health nutrition. The campaign encourages public health nutritionists and others to use the sound bites as part of their communications strategy.
New Hall of Fame
ASPHN has created the Public Health Nutritionists Hall of Fame to salute our members' efforts and help others learn about the value of public health nutritionists.
This new section of the website features succinct profiles of ASPHN members and the work they are doing in their states. Each profile contains a unique URL which can be easily shared via email, social media, etc. New entries are being accepted by application.
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ASPHN provides online and in-person leadership development resources and training programs to its members. |
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2020 ASPHN Virtual Annual Meeting Attracts 500+ Registrants
Feedback from Annual Meeting evaluations demonstrates that 55% of attendees were non-members and 69% were attending the Annual Meeting for the first time. Most respondents agreed that they learned things that increased their leadership capacity (87%) and competency as public health practitioners (91%).
Among the many impressive presentations were well-designed interactive sessions with breakout groups. Popular sessions included the COVID-19 State Sharing, which created regional learning/networking opportunities via a virtual world café.
Praise for the ASPHN Annual Meeting:
"This was my first ASPHN event. This is a fabulous, inspiring group. I can't wait to be more involved."
“Interactive breakout rooms and polls worked great for participation compared to other virtual meetings I have attended. I also really liked the guidebook to follow along.”
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Growing Leaders at All Career Stages |
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ASPHN Builds Diversity Among Public Health Students Through the Health Equity Internship Program
The Health Equity Internship program is increasing the number of students from minority-serving institutions that have experience working with territorial, state & local health agencies and community-based organizations. This experience in public health practice positions them to address the nutrition, cardiovascular disease and other health risk factors among ethnic and racial minority communities.
Internship Highlights
- Internships were completed by 25 students
- Interns were placed at 20 agencies: government, academic, national organizations and community-based organizations
- 24 preceptors serverved as mentors for the internship program
- Interns' abstracts were accepted for presentation at national public health meetings and conferences
What's Next
- Virtual internship placements reduce COVID-19 risk
- More placements in cardiovascular disease prevention
- Additional pilot CVD risk reduction projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Praise for the ASPHN Health Equity Internship:
"I will use lessons instilled in me through the ASPHN internship program and Meharry to always consider my future patients’ community and living environment while addressing their health concerns,"
-Peter Kalu, MSPH student at Meharry Medical College.
"I envision a career working with children or underserved communities and teaching them about the importance of eating health and routinely engaging in physical activity."
-Jessica Norman, public health education major at North Carolina Central University.
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ASPHN Partnership Learning Community Pilot: A Tailored Experience to Build Up Collaboration Skills
A community of 6 ASPHN members joined the Partnership Learning Community pilot and met five times from Dec 2019 through July 2020. Participants gained skills to lead collaborative relationships for improved eating and activity habits among communities and states.
Program Overview
Participant Outcomes
- Chose individual areas of focus
- Reviewed and reported on curated resources during class
- Applied lessons learned to create their own Partnership Development Plan
What's Next
Lessons learned from the PLC pilot, as well as key informant interviews conducted by an external entity will inform ASPHN’s 2020-21 Partnership Training Series.
Praise for ASPHN Partnership Learning Community Pilot:
“Thank you for the responsiveness to our feedback...about our experiences with the PLC. I am forever grateful for all of the deep learning I have experienced as an ASPHN member, so much more than a other professional organizations.”
Learn more about Partnership Learning Communities by contacting Shana Patterson at [email protected].
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ASPHN Health Equity Internship Program Adds Additional Positions Focused on COVID-19
The ASPHN Health Equity Internship Program will add an additional 25 internship positions to the Spring 2021 session with placements specifically focused on programs and research in COVID-19.
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Growing ASPHN Leaders Implements New Leadership Structure
In July the 9th cohort of Growing ASPHN Leaders completed the Growing ASPHN Leaders program.
Nine members from CO, OH, NY (2), IN, MN (2), WI and GA experienced five months of book reading, video lessons and group discussions, while deeply engaging with each other around their individual leadership experiences. Each participant completed a practicum project, applying new skills and lessons learned to their lives.
Practicum Themes
- Equitable Policies and Practices
- Mentoring and Legacy Planning
- Institutionalizing Leadership Development
- Organizational Development
New Structure
Four seasoned leadership professionals and two ASPHN consultants facilitated the monthly discussion groups. Plus an Advisory Committee of ASPHN member-leadership from public health, academia, and past class participants provided oversight and direction in its development.
What's Next
Growing ASPHN Leaders alumni move into leadership. Graduates of the Growing Leaders program join at least one ASPHN committee, council, or special project within the following year. See what alumni are involved in now.
- Alison Patrick – Obesity Prevention Nutrition Council,
- MCH Nutrition CouncilCharles Lorinser – National Fruit and Vegetable Council
- Latresh Davenport – Policy Committee
- Liana Schreiber – Collaboration Committee
- Minh Tieu – Membership, Communication and Outreach, Collaboration Committee
- Teresia Mbogori – MCH Nutrition Council
- Emily Bash – ASPHN Board Secretary
Praise for Growing ASPHN Leaders from Liana:
"The ASPHN leadership class helped me become more confident in my own leadership skills and gave me some concrete tools and skills to apply what I learned in my life – both professionally and personally."
Learn more about Growing ASPHN Leaders by contacting Shana Patterson Holland at [email protected].
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Key Findings from the Growing ASPHN Leaders External Evaluation
Entry level and experienced nutritionists participating in the Growing ASPHN Leaders program benefited from the opportunity to learn and apply leadership skills.
Participants felt that the Growing ASPHN Leaders program:
- Developed their leadership capacity;
- Helped them incorporate their strengths into their leadership styles;
- Increased their involvement with ASPHN; and
- Increased their confidence in taking more leadership roles.
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“...We will continue to practice leadership and grow our skills, because public health is based on relationships and working with different types of people. So having multiple tools in the toolkit will help to work with different personalities."
(2020 Training Participant)
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Development Digest Sparks Passion for Career Growth
The Development Digest helps Public Health Nutritionists realize their career potential through inspiration from:
- Expert interviews,
- Peers overcoming challenges, and
- Transformational resources.
The COVID-19 issue, one of 3 issues published this year, was released on June 5, 2020 and includes a special message from the ASPHN Board of Directors, an article on state sharing opportunities, and an article on ASPHN COVID-19 resources.
The digest exists online so members can relax and engage at their own pace.
Development Digest Topics
Dec- Prioritizing the Practice of Resource Sharing
Feb- The Pursuit of Learning
June- COVID-19
Praise for the Development Digest from Mikaela Schlosser:
The value I have found in sharing the Development Digest is how focused every product is in keeping the role of the public health nutritionist in mind. You can receive education about nutrition from a lot of sources, but seeing specific examples of how other states have incorporated it into public health nutrition programming is so beneficial!
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ASPHN Trainings Enhance Skills and Build Career Success for Public Health Nutritionists
ASPHN enhances skills in the Public Health Nutrition workforce through timely and cutting-edge training topics offered throughout the year. An average of eight engaging professional development opportunities are offered each month. Ninety percent of trainings are available online, fitting easily into all schedules.
The 93 trainings offered in 2019-2020 drew 3,248 participants.
Results form the 2019-2020 Training Survey show that members highly value ASPHN trainings.
ASPHN 2019-2020 Training Survey Results
- Nearly all (95%) respondents were satisfied with webinar/training content.
- Nearly all (91%) respondents said that the webinar/training increased their knowledge of public health nutrition functions.
- Nearly all (98%) respondents reported that they will use the information they received.
- Similarly, most (94%) respondents reported that they will share the information with colleagues.
Praise for trainings from the 2018 ASPHN Membership Survey:
“Your group is GREAT at organizing conferences, webinars, trainings and communicating what we need to know for conference or webinars.”
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CoIINs: Collaborative Improvement and
Innovation Networks
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Children's Healthy Weight CoIIN Actions, Funding
The Children's Healthy Weight CoIIN (CHW-CoIIN) is a multi-year initiative including 13 states. It formally launched in July 2017 and continues through July 2020.
Goal
CHW-CoIIN continued to develop, implement and integrate evidence-informed policies and practices in State Title V programs. These CHW-CoIIN projects improve health behaviors related to breastfeeding, physical activity, and nutrition for people newborn through 21 years of age, and includes those with special health care needs.
Long-term, CHW-CoIIN aims to increase the proportion of people 21 years old and younger who maintain a healthy weight.
State Action Highlights
- 13 state teams implemented actionable projects, related to breastfeeding, physical activity and innovative nutrition integration.
- All states implemented projects and were able to identify examples of success.
- Highlights reported by states:
- Broke down silos
- Established new partnerships and strengthened existing partnerships
- Changed policies / strengthened policies.
What's Next
In August 2019 ASPHN received additional funds and time to conduct extensive evaluation of the CHW-CoIIN, promote evaluation findings, and support the state team work to integrate nutrition into state Title V programs. That evaluation was just completed. Watch for evaluation data to be released in the fall of 2020.
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Obesity Mini CoIIN Continues Farm to ECE Focus
July 2020 brought the end of year two for the ASPHN Obesity Mini CoIIN (Mini CoIIN). Between March 2019 and July 2020 five states focused on different strategies to progress Farm to ECE programs that address childhood obesity by making early care and education (ECE) settings healthier and more enriching for children.
CDC supported the 2019-2020 ASPHN Obesity Mini-CoIIN, which focused on Farm to ECE strategies to create supportive nutrition environments and teach healthy habits at a young age.
Participants
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota and Ohio
Strategies Used to Progress Farm to ECE
- Developed and implemented Farm to ECE Learning Collaboratives
- Finalized and tested comprehensive online Farm to ECE trainings
- Established a robust Farm to ECE coalition and created purchasing program for ECEs with a local food hub
- Integrated Farm to ECE into the State’s county-level prevention work
- Optimized statewide farm to ECE surveys and trainings
ASPHN worked closely with multiple partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Farm to School Network to tailor technical assistance (TA) to these states’ needs. Ultimately, this hard work, collaboration and innovation impacted 563 ECE settings and over 7,200 children in 5 states.
What's Next
The ASPHN Obesity Mini CoIIN will continue its focus on Farm to ECE in 2020-21. More details will follow soon.
Praise for the Mini CoIIN from Participants:
“...these types of projects that support collaboration among different states working on similar projects is invaluable and offers a great level of comfort in knowing that we are not alone. We can learn together, and we can grow together.”
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“Our state was part of the Pediatric Obesity Mini CoIIN. It enhanced the work we were doing with Early Care and Education providers around nutrition and physical activity by allowing us to develop guides with specific ways to integrate practices into child care programs.”
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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ASPHN multiplies the impact of members' work through strategic partnerships. |
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Collaboration Committee Accomplishments
ASPHN currently maintains 30+ relationships that multiply the impact of public health nutrition by coordinating initiatives with other organizations.
These partner relationships are maintained through the work of the ASPHN Collaboration Committee.
The ASPHN Collaboration Committee (CC) works to strengthen and improve ASPHN's strategic partnerships with other organizations that advance the Association's mission, vision and values and that advance the goals outlined in our strategic plan.
Work Groups
The Committee now accomplishes its work through individual work groups that align with ASPHN's Strategic Plan.
Liaison Training/Networking Calls
Co-lead January and June 2020 Liaison Training/Networking Calls. The Committee conducted a liaison call focusing on Equity and Social Justice in January 2020.
Recognition
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2020 New ASPHN Partnerships
- 1,000 Days
- American Heart Association – Healthy for Life Program
- American Public Health Association (APHA), Food and Nutrition Section
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New Collaboration Committee Liaison
Abby Gold is now the ASPHN Liaison to the American Public Health Association, Food and Nutrition Section.
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ASPHN Partners with US Breastfeeding Committee
ASPHN partners with US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) through the Building Capacity to Increase Access to Breastfeeding Support Through a Collaborative Process Project. USBC provides support and education to local, state, and cultural coalitions for activities highlighting breastfeeding.
The Building Capacity to Increase Access to Breastfeeding Support Through a Collaborative Process Project is in its third year of providing funding and support to the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) and ASPHN members for activities to increase breastfeeding rates.
Goal
The goal of this project is to co-create multi-sector partnerships that advance policies and practices for improved breastfeeding outcomes.
Project Highlights
- 4 ASPHN liaisons and the ASPHN Breastfeeding Consultant bring the public health nutrition viewpoint to USBC Constellations and Learning Communities group discussions, including the newly developed COVID-19 Constellation.
- ASPHN collaborates with USBC and other breastfeeding support organizations through Breastfeeding Public Health Partners. These partners have been highlighted in several ASPHN newsletters.
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“[ASPHN] is my go-to organization for learning from others and collective action.”
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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ASPHN strengthens its members' work by keeping legislators and regulators informed of priority issues. |
Our members offer state and national leadership on food and nutrition policy, programs and services that help improve the health of our population. |
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ASPHN Shapes National Policy
The ASPHN Policy Committee works closely with the ASPHN Board of Directors, Councils, Committees, members and partner organizations to advance public health nutrition policies and programs through science-based decisions and collective action nationwide.
Action Alert
The Committee issued an Action Alert asking ASPHN members to submit comments to USDA concerning USDA’s “Simplifying Meal Service and Monitoring Requirements in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs” proposed rule (85 FR 4094).
Sign-Ons
Also, on behalf of ASPHN the committee signed-on to 38 letter requests from numerous partner organizations and submitted evidence-based comments to the following agencies:
- USDA with reference to RIN 0584-AE62, Proposed rule Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its potential impact on hunger & health, low income working families, child hunger, older Americans, states’ rights and the economy.
- USDA/FNS in opposition to proposed rule Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances
- USDA/FNS/DGAC Re: 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Request for Comments
- USDA regarding proposed changes to existing school lunch rules.
What's Next
The Committee will continue to provide the ASPHN Board and members with updates and action-oriented opportunities on federal public health nutrition-related issues pertaining to ASPHN’s Strategic Plan.
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Building Nutrition Policy Advocacy Through Foundational Webinar Series
The ASPHN Policy Committee continues to build on the success of last years' foundational policy webinar series, Moving Public Health Nutrition Policies Forward. In partnership with ASPHN’s MCH Nutrition Council, the Committee presented the advocacy webinar Moving Public Health Nutrition Policies Forward: Supporting Moms and Babies In the First 1000 Days featuring the advocacy work and policies of the “1000 Days” organization. Follow the links below to watch these archived webinars.
Watch the Webinar Series:
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“[ASPHN is a] great resource and networking org that connects and familiarizes me with public health policies and procedures across the country.”
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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ASPHN facilitates peer support. |
The ASPHN consultants are supportive along every step of the way, making it easy to participate. Participating in a Council is an opportunity to learn different leadership styles from the unique perspectives of public health nutrition leaders across the nation. -Elaine Russell (KY)
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National Fruit and Vegetable Council Accomplishments
Expanded Membership
Networking
Supported a National Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Council Facebook Group to provide Council members a place to communicate about their work in the world of fruits and vegetables.
Offered two all-member networking calls to allow Council members to learn from each other. Topics include, Social Media and Nutrition Initiatives.
Webinars
Workgroups
Formed a Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP) workgroup.
What's Next
Exploring collaboration opportunities with the National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance.
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Obesity Prevention Nutrition
Council
Accomplishments
Expanded Membership
Networking
Offered bi monthly 'spotlight on practice' and 'spot light on policy' conversations to allow Council members to learn from each other and network.
Priorities
Identified 2 new priority areas, physical activity and health equity, as focus areas.
Webinar
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MCH Nutrition Council Accomplishments
Expanded Membership
As of June 30, 2020 the ASPHN MCH Nutrition Council has 260 members including 28 MCH Nutrition Council Liaisons, an increase of 36 members from June 2019.
Publications
Provided input on the development of two new MCHB resources:
- Incorporating Nutrition in the Title V Five-Year Needs Assessment
- Resources for Addressing Nutrition in the Title V Five-Year Needs Assessment
Training
Organized quarterly training webinars with guest speakers on emerging issues including trauma-informed nutrition, and nutrition & autism.
Support
Hosted conversations among MCHB leaders and MCH professionals to enhance understanding of MCHB programs including, National Survey of Children's Health, Pregnancy-Related Care Research Network, and HRSA Agency Overview
Technical Assistance
Held technical assistance sessions for MCH Nutrition Professionals:
- December 2018: Using Performance Management and Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) Cycling to Improve Nutrition Service Delivery
- May 2019: Engaging Nutrition Into the 5-Year Title V Needs Assessment
- June 2019: Raising Maternal Mental Health Awareness to Address Early Childhood Obesity
What's Next
ASPHN is continuing in a contract with Maternal and Child Health Bureau to provide technical assistance and training to Title V MCH Block Grant Programs related to food and nutrition policy, programs and services, with a special focus on bolstering the public health nutrition workforce.
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“I find the support and mentoring talents of ASPHN leadership contributes great value as I work to achieve my career objectives.”
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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ASPHN members lead public health nutrition. |
From advancing the consumption of fruits and vegetables to promoting breastfeeding and maternal and child health and nutrition, to stemming the tide on the obesity epidemic, ASPHN's members share a common drive and passion for public health nutrition. |
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Membership Communications & Outreach Committee Highlights
The Membership Communications and Outreach Committee (MC&O) works to increase members’ skills and knowledge by promoting involvement in ASPHN’s programs.
Major Activities
The ASPHN Membership Communications & Outreach (MC&O) Committee recently updated its work plan, identifying 7 high-priority projects to complete in order to carry out its purpose.
Exceeding Goals
ASPHN's membership goal has already exceeded the goal set by this committee in the 2017-22 ASPHN Strategic Plan and required the ASPHN board to change that objective.
Meeting goals
Every new ASPHN member is welcomed by a member of the MC&O Committee.
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Members and Volunteers
ASPHN has welcomed 138 new members in 2020. The total membership is now over 600 strong and 8% are students. New members are joining every month. Our membership is active, with 151 members volunteering on ASPHN committees & councils and 17 on the Board.
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Emerging Professionals
Pay Lower Membership Fees
Students and professionals in the first two years of their career now can join for just $25 per year. See details on the ASPHN membership page.
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“Being a member has been a great asset to my current position as a Public Health Nutritionist. Learning from other reputable colleagues has been very beneficial.”
(2020 ASPHN Member Survey)
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Watch the ASPHN newsletter for updates on these high impact initiatives. |
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National Launch of Clean Away COVID Materials in February 2021
The Clean Away COVID campaign will teach WIC participants to clean their bodies, food and household surfaces the right way. Based on the results of pilot testing, campaign materials will be released to all state, local, tribal and territorial WIC programs in February 2021.
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Greater Integrations Coming for Nutrition into State Title V Programs
With support from ASPHN, North Dakota, Oregon and Wisconsin will pilot robust changes to nutrition-related criteria in State Title V through increases to MCH nutrition competency in the workforce and data-driven development of nutrition interventions.
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ASPHN Recommends National Performance Measure for the Title V Block Grant
Through the work of the Children's Healthy Weight CoIIN Steering Committee, ASPHN submitted a letter to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau recommending standards on food and nutrition security for the Title V Block Grant. National Performance Measures create a national data source track for each measure and will inform evidence-based program designs with the goal to decrease food insecurity over time.
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Student Board Position
Coming Soon
Soon there will be a student position on the ASPHN Board! Representing student voices on the board ensures that we are meeting the needs of members at all stages of their career. This position is to be appointed through application process for the next board year.
Watch the monthly ASPHN newsletter for more information.
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ASPHN Programs will Continue to Make COVID-19 Adjustments
ASPHN programs will continue to make adjustments to serve the needs of their participants during the COVID -19 pandemic. Programs currently making significant adjustments include:
- WIC Developmental Monitoring Project "Learn the Signs. Act Early"
- Farm to ECE
- Health Equity Internship
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ASPHN Health Equity Internship Program Adds Additional Positions Focused on COVID-19
The ASPHN Health Equity Internship Program will add an additional 8 internship positions to the Spring 2021 session with placements specifically focused on programs and research in COVID-19.
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Association of State Public Health Nutritionists| ASPHN.org
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