Leading for Change

Sudha Reddy, MS, RD

Georgia Department of Human ResourcesDivision of Aging Services

4th State Units on Aging Nutritionists & Administrators Conference August 2006

Presentation Outline:

-Expectations of SUA for Nutritionist’s Position (Scope of Work)

-Factors Influencing Changes in the Way We Do Business

-Reasons to be a “Change Agent” -Examples of Program Success in Georgia

 Expectation of SUA for Nutritionist’s Position:

Provide leadership in planning, directing, implementing and evaluating statewide nutrition and wellness programs (OAA and other state funded programs) for older adults.

 Expectation of SUA for Nutritionist’s Position:

Provide direction and guidance to AAAs and nutrition service providers in the implementation and evaluation of federal and state funded nutrition and wellness programs.

Coordinate activities with universities and other community based organizations on health and wellness initiatives. Serve as the Division’s chief spokesperson on nutrition and wellness program issues.

Key Functions:

Program planning Policy development Program management Budgeting Training and technical assistance

Key Functions:

Program evaluation (data collection, analysis & management)

Program coordination and team building Advocacy and research Grant writing & management Marketing

 Factors Influencing Changes in the Way We Do Business:

Aging trends Health status Increased health care costs Shift from institutional based care to

community based care

Factors Influencing Changes in the Way We Do Business:

Technology Increased demand for services and limited

funding Increased competition Demand for efficiency & improved quality of

services from funders and customers

Reasons to Become a Change Agent:

To increase program visibility & funding To improve the way we do business

(efficiency) To demonstrate that nutrition and wellness

services are “value added” services (more than a meals program)

Reasons to Become a Change Agent

To meet changing program goals and expectations

To increase public awareness regarding the role (value) of state nutritionists in promoting health and wellness

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Increased funding for wellness program services through the state legislature (current state funding – 1.1 million dollars)

Collaboration with UGA – development, implementation and evaluation of community based intervention related to nutrition, physical activity and diabetes

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Launching of the Live Healthy Georgia – Seniors Taking Charge campaign

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Collaboration with UGA – web site development on healthy aging (www.livewellagewell.info)

Development of the “Take Charge of Your Health” community intervention to promote nutrition and physical activity in older adults.

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Recognition by the Dannon Institute, American Pubic Health Association, USDA and the Georgia Dietetic Association for program innovation of the “Take Charge of Your Health” program

Successful collaboration with public and private sector agencies in sponsoring the healthy aging summit (for the past 9 years)

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Launching of the 1st SFMNP demonstration program in Georgia (funding from Division of Public Health, Division of Aging, Area Agencies on Aging and local health departments)

Examples of Program Success in Georgia:

Collaboration with the Division of Public Health, AARP, Parks and Recreation and other agencies in securing funding/resources to develop and implement innovative health and wellness programs

Establishment of the Georgia Coalition for Healthy Aging (a collaboration of public and private sector agencies to promote a common vision for healthy aging)

Summary

Be willing to take risks Be proactive and be aware of factors influencing

changes in the way we do business Be flexible and be aware of changing priorities Document outcomes Develop strategies to build successful

partnerships Money will follow if you have good ideas