Cutting-Edge Practice

Washington State Nutrition Network

State/Jurisdiction: Washington
Setting: Clinical Home Virtual
Population: CYSHCN Medical & Public Health Professionals
Topic Area: Access to Quality Healthcare Nutrition & Physical Activity Workforce Development
NPMs:

The Washington State Nutrition Network, a long-standing collaboration between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the University of Washington’s Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), focuses on children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and exemplifies systems-based dietetic practice. Established in 1987 following a survey disseminated to neuromuscular centers as part of a statewide Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) needs assessment in 1985; the program is designed to strengthen capacity of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to meet the complex nutrition and feeding challenges of CYSHCN. Guided by systems thinking principles, the Network integrates partnership, policy, workforce development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, clinical, and community sectors. Through foundational 2-day foundational training, annual meetings, continuing education, and mentoring, the program connects dietitians statewide to evidence-based practices, peer support, and multidisciplinary teams.



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Implementation Handout



CONTACT INFORMATION
Washington State Department of Health and University of Washington Institute on Human Development and Disability
Khimberly Schoenacker
Khimberly.Schoenacker@doh.wa.gov
lilmaro@uw.edu

Practice Website