The Association of State and Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors (ASTPHND), Obesity Prevention Nutrition Council Steering Committee has released a two-page primer titled "The Role of Public Health Nutrition in Obesity Prevention." This new resource is available at www.astphnd.org, and we encourage you to share it widely with your members and colleagues. 

Aimed at public health professionals and others working in obesity prevention, the primer describes the skills and types of activities accomplished by public health nutritionists.  

Public health nutritionists are essential partners in obesity prevention. They have the training and background to translate scientific evidence into effective food and nutrition programs, systems and environmental change strategies that enhance communities and support healthy eating choices. All efforts addressing obesity prevention should include the service of public health nutritionists.

For additional information or questions about this resource, please contact Helene Kent, ASTPHND Consultant. 

Founded in 1952, ASTPHND is a non-profit membership organization that provides state and national leadership on food and nutrition issues, programs and services aimed at improving the health of our population. ASTPHND’s membership is comprised of over 250 public health nutritionists located throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. As we celebrate our 60th year of service, our vision is to create new environmental norms where healthy eating and active living are the easy and natural choices for all Americans. ASTPHND can be found on the Web at www.astphnd.org.

The product described in this release is made possible by a cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding award details are on the product. It cost $575 to produce this product, and federal funds covered all of the direct production costs. Development of this product includes in-kind time from state health agency nutrition experts.