New push highlights updated Dietary Guidelines in community health centers
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) today issued a Dear Colleague Letter (PDF - 336 KB) encouraging more than 1,400 HRSA-funded health centers nationwide to expand efforts to promote proper nutrition as part of the Administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Health centers are focused on addressing the root causes of illness and play a pivotal role in chronic disease prevention and treatment—assessing weight, providing nutrition counseling, and helping more than 32 million patients achieve better health outcomes, including control of their diabetes and hypertension.
“Health centers are on the front lines of improving the health of their communities by providing high quality primary care and chronic disease prevention services,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “Expanding access to clear, practical nutrition information can help patients make informed decisions about their health. Together with health centers, we are working to build healthier communities from the ground up.”
In the United States, nutrition-related chronic diseases—such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes—remain a significant public health concern. Research shows that expanding access to nutrition services and other food-based interventions can help prevent, manage, and improve health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases and other conditions.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans (PDF - 3 MB) (Guidelines) with a simple message: Eat real food. The Guidelines prioritize whole, healthy, and nutritious foods and limits highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates. The revised Guidelines move us towards a food system that supports long-term health.
HRSA is sharing educational resources developed by HHS and USDA with health centers and encouraging providers to incorporate the updated Guidelines into patient education efforts. Suggested approaches include:
- Integrating nutrition guidance into clinical care and counseling
- Displaying educational materials in treatment rooms and waiting areas
- Promoting resources through health center websites and social media
These efforts aim to increase patient awareness, support healthier choices, and strengthen community-wide prevention strategies.
HRSA-funded health centers deliver comprehensive primary care to over 32.4 million patients through more than 16,000 service sites nationwide. HRSA-funded health centers provide care to 1 in 8 children, 1 in 5 rural residents, and 1 in 15 adults 65 and older.
Learn more about the Health Center Program and find a health center near you.