eatrightWV.org
The West Virginia Dietetic Association (WVDA) is a professional organization for Registered Dietitians (RD's) who are committed to serving the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, good health and well-being. WVDA was officially recognized and approved by the American Dietetic Association to function as a State Dietetic Association in 1942.

Our vision is to "positively impact the health of West Virginians through food and nutrition." The mission of the WVDA is to "empower members to be West Virginia’s food and nutrition leaders."

In the News

January 20, 2010

The Secret is Out - "You may be our State's best kept secret!" That’s what Harry Bergstrom, Deputy Chief of Staff under Governor Manchin said as he referred to the registered, licensed dietitian. "We do not want to be a secret," we replied as we began our visit.

On Jan. 15, 2010 Helen Lodge, Public Policy Coordinator, Sharon Maynard, WVDA State Public Policy Representative, Pam Hamilton, WVDA Public Relations Chair, and WVDA President Amy Gannon had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Chief of Staff, Harry Bergstrom and Governor Joe Manchin III. During the meeting, we discussed the role of the RD, explained MNT, reviewed the cost benefit of our services and listed the various areas in which RDs practice. We emphasized the importance of having the benefit of nutrition services for all West Virginians as health care is reformed. We cited specific examples of the services we provide and pointed out that a registered, licensed dietitian is the most qualified individual to provide MNT. The public can be assured that our practice is based on sound scientific evidence. We even had the opportunity to enlighten him on the rigorous educational requirements to becoming a dietitian. We were given a full hour and we had hoped for 10 -15 minutes!

Mr. Bergstrom was sincerely impressed by our profession and he remarked that he knew little about RDs before our visit. The Governor, with whom we've met on previous occasions, spoke with us for a few minutes following our session with Mr. Bergstrom.

WHAT'S the NEXT STEP?
Legislative Day, March 3, 2010 – MARK YOUR PLANNERS and BE THERE. With healthcare reform on the horizon, this will be the most important public policy visit in WVDA's history!
Location – State Capitol, Charleston, WV
Who should attend? All WV dietitians, undergraduate students, dietetic interns
What will we be doing? We will visit our Delegates and Senators. The Governor will make a proclamation for National Nutrition month and there will be a photo opportunity with our group.
What will I say to my representative? Do not worry. You will be provided with talking points and each visit will only last a few minutes. You may only be able to leave them with some reading materials (which will be sent to you via e-mail), depending on your representative's schedule.
Will I have fun? Yes! We always have fun when we see each other! This will be a chance for networking with colleagues and it is a huge opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and grow professionally.
THIS IS IMPORTANT!! We want our profession to be included on the forefront of healthcare reform! We don’t want to "miss the boat" and be excluded from MNT reimbursement!
Please contact Sharon Maynard at Sharon.Maynard@thomaswv.org for more information. Thank you!!

December 28, 2009

Press Release - Nutrient-Rich New Year's Resolutions

December 5, 2009

Online Petition Available - Restaurant Labeling Petition

November 30, 2009

Press Release - "Girth-Control": Tips for Nutrient-Rich Holiday Eating

November 19, 2009

Nutrition Article - Nutritional Implication of Smoking

November 13, 2009

Press Release - Fighting Illness with Food

November 12, 2009 - Dietitian Honored

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Helen Lodge of Charleston was recently one of eight registered dietitians recognized by the American Dietetic Association for outstanding service. The Medallion Awards honor those for their leadership and devotion to serving others in dietetics and allied health fields. The awards were made at the association's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo last month in Denver. Lodge is retired after nearly 30 years with Charleston Area Medical Center.

October 27, 2009

Press Release - Healthy Lunches

October 27, 2009

Press Release - Hearty, Healthy Tailgating

October 27, 2009

Press Release - Healthy Halloween Ideas

July 22, 2009

Mark your calendars today for WVDA 2010. The place and dates are set for WVDA 2010. The annual meeting will be held at the Charleston- Marriott on April 28-29, 2010. More later...

June 2, 2009

Newly posted (For members only. If you have not yet received a username/password, please send a request to webmaster@eatrightwv.org):
West Virginia Dietetic Association Policy and Procedures
West Virginia Dietetic Association by-laws

2009 Essay Contest

The West Virginia Dietetics Association announces the winners to the 2009 Essay Content. Click here for a complete list of winners and to read their essay entries.

Marshall University and West Virginia University Dietetic Intern Classes

Five Reasons to Visit Your Local Farmers' Market:

  1. You are supporting local farmers
  2. Fresh produce (with lots of variety from different vendors)
  3. Less energy is used in getting the produce to the market
  4. It's a good opportunity to socialize with others in the community
  5. It's cheaper!

Be sure to check out some of our favorite Recipes