Tuesday, February 28, 2012

EDC Applauds the Creation of a Federal Bi-Partisan Caucus Addressing Eating Disorders

WASHINGTON, D.C. Feb. 28, 2012 For Immediate Release-- The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) applauds Congress for establishing the National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus. In a bipartisan effort Congresswomen Nan Hayworth (R-NY-19) and Nita Lowey (D-NY-18) are co-chairs of the Caucus.  "Their support underscores the fact that eating disorders impact Americans of all races and genders, young and old, Republicans and Democrats" said Lisa Lilenfeld Ph.D., President of the Eating Disorders Coalition.

The Eating Disorders Coalition will work with the Caucus in order to continue advancing the Federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority.  Jeanine Cogan Ph.D., Policy Director of the EDC said, “We are thrilled that Members of Congress expressed their interest in forming a caucus specifically to address eating disorders.  In forming the Caucus, Congress is showing their active commitment to bring attention to the devastation caused by eating disorders and come up with important policy solutions."   The caucus will help us further advance the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED Act), which is the first ever comprehensive bill to address eating disorders treatment, research, education and prevention. Congresswoman Lowey has been a supporter of the FREED Act and it sends an important message that Congresswoman Hayworth, the only female physician in Congress, is taking a leadership role in addressing eating disorders.

The Eating Disorders Coalition has provided a voice on Capitol Hill for the individuals who suffer, families, treatment providers, researchers and over 35 Member Organizations since 2000.  We developed relationships with Members of Congress through our bi-annual National Eating Disorders Lobby Days. The EDC worked with Members of Congress to introduce the FREED Act, which will provide access to treatment by addressing the current and disparate lack of insurance coverage most sufferers of eating disorders face.

Friday, February 24, 2012

EDC Junior Board Member Ashley Grizzard is hosting an event for the EDC in Richmond. Come out and support her and the EDC!

Mosaic will be hosting a "Community Giveback Night" Feb 29th for the Eating Disorder Coalition. It's simple---just choose to eat at Mosaic for dinner and 13% of your food's sale total will go to the EDC. Tell your friends too; there is no flyer needed just be sure to tell your waiter you are there for the EDC. You can check out their menu here:http://mosaicedibles.com/pdf/mosaic-cafe-dinner-menu.pdf

Monday, February 6, 2012

Picture just in! A living room conversation with Secretary of HHS, Kathleen Sebelius, January 2012.


EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan, speaks with Kathleen Sebelius about the enormous challenges people with eating disorders face in trying to access life saving care.  She let the Secretary know that things have not improved since the federal parity law passed as people with eating disorders are still regularly denied treatment and as a result some die.  Jeanine asked the Secretary if there is anything she could do to address these gaps in coverage for people suffering from eating disorders through the essential health benefits and other implementation of the Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act.  The Secretary responded with concern and informed her that she would have her staff look into the matter.