IIN Advocacy Update: Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Health Coaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Every month, we’re sharing the notable work that our director of advocacy and IIN graduate, Darrell Rogers, is doing in Washington, D.C., to increase the visibility and recognition of Health Coaches.

IIN recently held a virtual congressional briefing to discuss how individuals and communities can empower themselves to cultivate health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to prioritize mental and emotional well-being and sustain a healthy lifestyle.

The purpose of the briefing was to educate members of Congress and congressional staff about the importance of nutrition, mindfulness, and health coaching and demonstrate the effectiveness of health coaching for all people regardless of income, race, or location.

In addition to Darrell, Deanna Minich, Michelle Maldonado, and Megan Kalocinski shared their knowledge and tools for improving nutrition and mental wellness as well as techniques to build and sustain healthy behaviors amid stress and uncertainty.

Representative Tony Cardenas (D-CA), a strong advocate of wellness and innovative solutions to address health disparities, was a guest speaker at the briefing as well. He shared an impactful story about how his father passed away due to complications of diabetes just ten days before the birth of his own son. He emphasized the importance of providing everyone with the tools and empowerment to achieve wellness. We are pleased we can partner with Representative Cardenas and work toward finding a solution for better sustained and more resilient health for all.

The briefing also covered policy recommendations on improving access to health coaching and nutrition resources in order to create a healthier, more resilient society. We understand that people in underserved communities have more toxic stress; less access to clean air, fresh foods, and quality preventive healthcare; and more hurdles to achieving and maintaining wellness.

At IIN, we are dedicated to addressing these disparities by working for policy changes that prioritize the wellness needs in those communities and providing necessary resources to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Watch a full replay of the virtual congressional briefing here!

Darrell Rogers began his career in Washington, D.C., 20 years ago and has worked for members of Congress and several notable nonprofit organizations and political campaigns. More recently, his work has been committed to protecting and promoting holistic healthcare access.