What to Expect:

If you are searching for answers to questions you have about eating disorders, this is the conference for you to attend. The National Eating Disorder Association’s Conference has become an annual event for my family. Unlike the unpredictable and fearful nature of eating disorders, the NEDA conference is familiar, comforting and validating. You will find a unique blending of passionate professionals and lay people affected in one way or another by eating disorders.

When I attended the NEDA Conference in Minneapolis in 2009 I did not know anyone. I was nervous and excited. Communication online had led to this point – and now suddenly there I was, about to meet people in real life, in person. This was scary. A warm welcome swept all doubts aside as soon as I entered the conference venue. I had been assured I would not be lonely, and I was not. I had traveled all the way from Australia and was very glad I did. By the time I departed Minneapolis several days later, I had met many wonderful people.

New Jersey took a big step forward in addressing eating disorders this week when the School Employees Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee voted unanimously to approve a program that requires coverage for the treatment of substance abuse issues, eating disorders and other mental health issues.

NEDA applauds Governor Chris Christie for his commitment to insurance coverage for individuals who suffer from mental illness and encourages him and the state of New Jersey to continue working to expand coverage to those on the State Health Benefits Plan as well.

This year, thanks to the help of NEDA’s dedicated STAR Program Volunteer Advocates, important bills have passed in states across the country!

NEDA applauds President Obama for his speech at the National Conference on Mental Health on Monday, June 3rd, which emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and understanding about mental health issues. Specifically, the speech tackled three points central to the conversation surrounding mental health in the United States: reducing stigma, access to care, and the real possibility of recovery.

At times it may seem as if the pins are stacked against us but together we strike them down. Thank you to everyone who attended the Striking Out Eating Disorders event.  It was a great success and as a result of all the support shown at the event, NEDA can continue its fight against eating disorders; providing the necessary help, support, information and policy change that is needed to strike out this disease.

Without the help of Lindsay Belfatto, event chair, and our entire Junior Board this success could not have been possible!

[This post first appeared on Proud2Bme.org]

When I began my petition against Abercrombie & Fitch just over two weeks ago, I had no idea what it would become. I had no idea that it would inspire a movement.

UPDATED POST: In an effort towards reaching solutions and opening a dialogue, Abercrombie & Fitch executives have agreed to meet next week with Lynn Grefe, President and CEO of NEDA, eating disorder experts Dr. Michael Levine and Dr. Sarah Murnen, Darryl Roberts, Director of America the Beautiful, and teen activists, Benjamin O'Keefe and Cali Linstron, who have recently voiced their concerns.