1. Leading for Change Sudha Reddy, MS, RD Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services 4th State Units on Aging Nutritionists & Administrators Conference August 2006

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Key Functions: Program planning Policy development Program management Budgeting Training and technical assistance

6. Key Functions: Program evaluation (data collection, analysis & management) Program coordination and team building Advocacy and research Grant writing & management Marketing

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. Examples of Program Success in Georgia: Launching of the Live Healthy Georgia – Seniors Taking Charge campaign

13. Examples of Program Success in Georgia: Collaboration with UGA – web site development on healthy aging (www.livewellagewell.info)www.livewellagewell.info Development of the “Take Charge of Your Health” community intervention to promote nutrition and physical activity in older adults.

14. 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)

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

16. 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)

17. 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