OAFP PROTESTS THE AAFP'S CONSUMER ALLIANCE WITH COCA COLA

The OAFP Board of Directors sent this letter to Doug Henley and the AAFP Board of Directors

November 3, 2009
Doug Henley, MD
E xecutive Director, AAFP
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS  66211

Dear Dr. Henley and members of the AAFP Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors of the Oregon AFP has heard from our members, loud and clear regarding the new Consumer Alliance with Coca Cola.  We have had spontaneous expressions of concern from our members and have already had one resignation over this issue.  They are upset by this partnership and concerned about the effect this will have on the public’s perception of the AAFP, as well as their own credibility with patients.

Just when we need to marshal our credibility with legislators and the public for health reform negotiations, we have introduced an element of self serving doubt.  Can we truly be “patient centered” when we are aligned with a company promoting a product which is one of the major factors in childhood obesity?  Our strong, clear, unbiased message about healthy eating is at risk with this alliance.

We appreciate the need to find non dues revenue.  The state chapters struggle with this issue also.  Sometimes this can cloud judgment and we fear that may be the case with the Coca Cola Alliance.

Though you are confident this relationship can be managed adequately and safe guards are in place, you may not understand the importance of the perception this alliance creates.  Would we be a “proud partner” of Coca Cola if money were not involved?  Do we really believe that Coca Cola has healthy products to offer our patients, and if so, do we believe that our patients will be able to make the distinction? 

In addition to the potential for AAFP members and patients to misunderstand this endorsement of Coca Cola, we object to being used as guinea pigs for the marketing surveys.

The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors request the AAFP Board terminate the Consumer Alliance with The Coca Cola Company.

Respectfully,

Glenn S. Rodriguez, MD
President

CC:    Lori J. Heim, MD
Roland A. Goertz, MD, MBA
Ted D. Epperly, MD
Leah Raye Mabry, MD
John Meigs, MD
Kenneth R. Bertka, MD
David A. Ellington, MD
Glen R. Stream, MD
Jeffrey J. Cain, MD
Thomas A. Felger, MD
George W. Shannon, MD
Reid Blackwelder, MD
Conrad L. Flick, MD
Laura C. Knobel, MD
Chris Lupold, MD
Robert Stenger, MD, MPH
Brooke Sciuto