ADA awards members at annual meeting

Some 10,000 researchers, professionals, policy makers, healthcare providers and industry leaders gathered in St. Louis in October for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Food & Nutrition Conference and Exhibition. The event included hundreds of presentations, debates, panel discussions, demonstrations and workshops, and 350 exhibitors showcasing their products and services.

Former ADA president Ann Gallagher was presented the group’s Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award during the opening session. Gallagher is president of the F.A. Gallagher & Associates firm that provides nutrition consulting services to healthcare organizations.

Eight individuals were honored with Medallion Awards, given to those who have shown the highest dedication to the dietetics profession. They were Cheryl Bittle, Portland (OR) Area Indian Health Service; Kitty Coffey, Carson-Newman College; Lea Ebro, Oklahoma State U.; Elvira Johnson, Cambridge (MA) Health Alliance; Jo Ann Pegues, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Administration on Aging; Rebecca Reeves, Baylor College of Medicine; Carol Shanklin, Kansas State U.; and Riva Touger- Decker, U. of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey’s School of Health Related Professions.