Public Policy Panel




			Public Policy Issues

		CDA Partners with The Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease Dear PFCD Partners, We wanted to let you know about a very exciting new venture by the National Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. PFCD has just launched a new website, 'Say "Yes" To Health Reform That Fights Chronic Disease'. As you'll read in the description below, the purpose of the site is to put a human face on the crisis of chronic illness through video testimonials of Americans in communities across the country. Through this effort, we hope to draw the attention of national policymakers to the profound impact of chronic disease on Americans' health, wellbeing, and ability to access affordable, high quality health care. Through the remainder of the health care debate, the campaign Web site will be continuously updated with new video testimonials, which will be sent to Congressional members representing those states or districts. Please make sure to take a look at the Connecticut videos! You may recognize some faces! PFCD Partners and Friends, I am delighted to announce the launch of "Say 'Yes' to Health Reform" - a new, online grassroots campaign of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) that aims to put a human face on the crisis of chronic illness through video testimonials of Americans in communities across the country. Through this effort, we hope to draw the attention of national policymakers to the profound impact of chronic disease on Americans' health, wellbeing, and ability to access affordable, high quality health care. The Web site features over 100 video testimonials of Americans from 17 states where the PFCD has chapters and will be continuously updated. Read the press release At this monumental time – when the future of our nation's health care system is under debate in Washington – so much depends on all of us working together to find and support common-sense solutions to address those underlying issues that are harming our ability to lead our healthiest lives. I'd like to encourage you to take a few moments to review the video testimonials posted on the Web site, share this link with your contacts, and reflect on the importance of maintaining our focus on promoting solutions to the crisis of chronic illness as we push for passage of meaningful health reform this year. Thank you for your continuing support, Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D. Executive Director, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

	The goal of the Public Policy Panel (PPP) is to provide a bridge from members to ADA's legislative and public policy leaders. Members of the PPP network and communicate with legislators at the state and national level, as well as collaborating with regulatory agencies and other organizations. Working together we identify opportunities for CT Dietetic Association to shape public policy, drawing on ADA stances and resources. *Membership includes:* Public Policy Coordinator-facilitates process and tracks national issues (Teresa Martin Dotson) State policy representative (SPR)- tracks state legislative and regulatory issues of importance to RDs/DTRs (Kathy LaBella) Reimbursement experts (Renee Bordeaux and Linda Caley) Additional members include: Charlotte Meucci (President), Paula Leibowitz (delegate), Jennifer Dahlgren (student), Katy Halon, Melissa Castelluzzo, Patricia Grace Farfagila, Maryann Meade and Ann Purcell-Murray *We need members with the following skills and expertise related to our goal areas:* Knowledge of public health opportunities, state and local committees, boards, task forces, disaster response planners, local Boards of Health; and other places where nutrition and RD/DTRs should be included. Wellness, disease management, food safety and other health initiatives. PR/communications Academic settings The Public policy panel met on September 11, 2009 and drafted the following goals which will be presented to the CDA board at it's first meeting for this year September 29, 2009. *Public Policy 2009-2010 goals* 1. Increase the Grassroots network (GN) and build the Public policy panel (PPP) A. Help members identify their representatives at the state and national level B. Recruit members by Federal districts to be the contact person for the district C. Recruit members by area of practice to be the contact person for committees, issues, agencies D. Provide education on public policy skills E. Continue partnerships/ collations with other organizations with similar goals 2. Arrange meetings with key contacts at the state level A. Governor's office B. Committee chairs C. State agencies D. Facilitate face to face meetings between GN/PPP and legislators 3. Respond to public policy issues A. Health care reform efforts i Reimbursement B. Certification vs. Licensure C. Obesity D. Child/School Nutrition E. Menu labeling

	Food Allergy Awareness Key to Successful Management in Schools Food allergy is a growing safety concern across the United States and creates challenges for all educators and parents in our nation's schools. As the State of Connecticut begins another school year, it is important to point out that public awareness about the seriousness of food allergies is growing. Connecticut is a national leader in developing food allergy management plans and State legislation to promote the safety and well-being of children with severe food allergy. By working collaboratively, with the school staff, other parents, students, and family physicians, parents of children with food allergy can promote a safe and successful school experience for every child. In 2006, the Connecticut State Department of Education in conjunction with the State Department of Public Health has developed Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Connecticut Schools to assist Connecticut schools in effectively managing the health and safety needs of children with life-threatening food allergies. Connecticut law requires each public school district to "implement a plan based on the guidelines for the management of students with life-threatening food allergies." In 2009, Governor Rell signed into law legislation to further promote the safety of children with severe food allergy in Connecticut. The legislation requires every Connecticut public school district to make its plan available on every School Board of Education's or school's Web site or publicly available if no web sites exist, and it must provide annual notice of the plan's implementation to the State Department of Education, as well as to parents and guardians. The following are key links regarding the issues: CT Guidelines: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/deps/student/health/Food_Allergies.pdf CT Act 09-155: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/2009PA-00155-R00SB-00755-PA.htm The Food Allergy Initiative: http://www.faiusa.org

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