Aloha HDA members and fellow colleagues,
My first few months as your president have been filled with opportunities and challenges alike. With these opportunities and challenges comes great reward. I have received emails from you, our members saying how much you appreciate receiving updates and announcements. HDA is made up of a diverse and dynamic group of individuals. As a member, I have personally enjoyed meeting and networking with fellow colleagues.
There is a lot to look forward to in 2014. HDA will be celebrating 75 amazing years as an organization. This is an exciting time for Hawaii dietitian nutritionists. We are in the midst of changes in the way health care is being delivered and this includes critical nutrition services we provide to our patients and our Hawaii community. These changes will provide dietitians with the unique opportunity to advance our profession and show the value of the services we provide.
The theme of our 2014 Annual Spring Conference is “Kulia: Strive!” How timely and fitting this theme is given all we have accomplished and the future opportunities which lie ahead. We are looking forward to recognizing and celebrating the work of those dietitians who paved the way for the future of dietetics in Hawaii. We welcome your submissions of pictures past and present, HDA memorabilia of all kinds, and any stories you wish to share with your fellow colleagues. Your Spring Conference Committee is hard at work planning what promises to be an engaging and informative event. We are excited about the proposed line up of speakers. As always, we value your input and suggestions for topics as well as speakers.
One of the goals of the board is to increase member involvement and our visibility as nutrition experts in and among the community. HDA and its members have participated in numerous community events, health fairs and professional coalitions. In the spirit of sharing, I would love to hear from those of you who are currently involved in any food or nutrition related initiatives.
Your board of directors met on September 19th to do some strategic planning. Part of our strategic plan includes bringing more value to you our members! We have a new and enhanced HDA website. I invite you to visit the website often for updates and opportunities to earn free CEU’s. The board has a number of committees working on some very exciting projects. Committees needing your help and talents include our Website, Public Policy Panel, Fundraising and Spring Conference planning committees. Additionally, please consider running for office or getting involved at a level that is workable for you. The HDA board meetings are always open to all HDA members. Board meetings are held bimonthly at Castle Medical Center in the administrative conference room. A list of dates is available on the HDA website.
As an organization of more than 300 members made up food and nutrition professionals, I am honored to share in our continued mission to promote optimal nutrition, health and well-being to the people of Hawaii.
In good health and gratitude,
Sally