February 22-28, 2015 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Nationwide, advocates are paving the way for eating disorders awareness and assistance. In the United States, over 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their life. With these incredible numbers, it is encouraging to know that federal, state and local officials are working hard to gain eating disorders recognition. These actions deserve notable attention for their support of individuals and families suffering because of an eating disorder.
In the spirit of the week, many state legislatures have adopted resolutions to designate February 22-28, 2015 Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW). The many legislators who have sponsored such resolutions include Senator Kemp Hannon of New York who sponsored State Resolution J131, Senators Katie Hobbs and Catherine Miranda of Arizona who sponsored State Resolution SR1003, Governor John Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor who signed a resolution in Ohio, and Governor Gary R. Herbert who declared EDAW in Utah. Special mention also goes to the Cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland for recognizing the importance of eating disorders awareness and education.
The recognition of Eating Disorders Awareness Week by these officials is important for NEDA’s overall efforts. Eating Disorders are increasingly becoming acknowledged for what they really are: complex conditions that affect the whole body, including one’s emotional and physical health. With federal, state and local legislators as allies, we can continue to grow this awareness and become one step closer to our legislative goals, which include comprehensive care and closure of insurance gaps.
NEDA would like to thank all the elected officials and dedicated advocates who helped make National Eating Disorders Awareness Week become recognized by state governments. We offer a special thanks to Senator Hannon, Senator Hobbs, Senator Miranda, Governor Herbert, Governor Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Taylor. We would also like to thank STAR advocates Angela Bernhardt and Jennifer Aviles who traveled to the capitol in Phoenix, Arizona and were introduced on the Senate Floor by Senator Hobbs as she read the resolution to declare Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Arizona.
If you would like to become involved in advocating on behalf of those with eating disorders, please contact the STAR (Solutions Through Advocacy and Reform) Program Manager Kerry Dolan at star@myneda.org.
