Membership

Nearly 70,000 members--the largest group of food and nutrition professionals in the nation. Open to those who meet academic and experience requirements established by the Association. Approximately 75 percent are registered dietitians (RDs) and four percent are dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs). Members include clinical and community dietetics professionals, consultants, food service managers, educators, researchers, dietetic technicians and students.

ADA members represent a wide range of practice areas and special interests, including: public health; sports nutrition; medical nutrition therapy; diet counseling for weight control, cholesterol reduction, diabetes, renal and other health concerns; vegetarianism, food service management in business, hospitals, restaurants, long-term care facilities, and education systems; education of other health care professionals; and research. There are 29 special interest or dietetic practice groups that members can join.

President

Ann Coulston, MS, RD, FADA (1998-99) Ann Gallagher, RD, LD, CD (1999-2000)

Association Mission

To serve the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being.

History

Founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1917 under the leadership of Lulu C. Graves, first president, and Lenna F. Cooper, co-founder.

Programs and Services

To promote sound nutrition information for the public, the Association sponsors publications, national eventsand media and marketing programs. ADA has a national media program with 27 registered dietitian spokespeople. The Association establishes standards of quality for professional practice in all areas of dietetics practice. It also provides a full range of services for members. ADA lobbies for federal legislation that will contribute to the nutritional well-being of the public through its government affairs office.

Affiliated Associations

Fifty state dietetic associations, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the American Overseas Dietetic Association are affiliated organizations. Within these groups, there are approximately 230 district associations.

Commission on Dietetic Registration

The Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for ADA, awards credentials to individuals at entry-, fellow- and specialty- levels who have met its standards for competency to practice in the profession, including successful completion of its national certification examination and recertification by continuing professional education and/or examination.

Educational Programs

The Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education (CAADE)of ADA is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)and the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the accrediting agency for education programs that prepare dietetics professionals. Through the accreditation and approval of more than 600 undergraduate and graduate didactic, dietetic technician, and supervised practice programs, CAADE ensures that entry-level education meets quality standards.

National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics (NCND)

Established in 1990, NCND is ADA's public education center. Its mission is to promote optimal nutrition, health and well-being to consumers through its various programs and services. A consumer nutrition hot line that includes a referral service to registered dietitians and a resource library that provides access to an extensive array of databases make NCND a leading source of objective food and nutrition information. NCND sponsors National Nutrition Month® , an annual campaign celebrated each March to promote healthful eating and provide practical nutrition guidance to consumers.

ADA Foundation

In 1966, The American Dietetic Association Foundation was established as a 501 (C) (3) corporation to fund vital education and research projects. In particular, the Foundation funds new and existing programs of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, scholarships and awards, education and research projects, and ADA strategic initiatives that promote optimal nutrition health and well-being of the public.

Headquarters Offices

ADA and ADAF maintain association headquarters at 216 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill., 60606. In addition, ADA has a government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Media contact: 800/877-1600 ext. 4822, 4769 or 4894.