Our Action Alerts Work!
120 of you called your Senators and urged them to sign onto the parity regulations letter. WOOHOO! Those are great numbers! And look what a difference it made. 27 Senators signed onto the letter urging that parity regulations move forward. The EDC was part of a broader effort of a few dozen groups who made phone calls.
This is such a good example of how citizen activism makes a difference. Each one of you makes a difference and there are power in numbers! “One person can make a difference and every person should try.” John F. Kennedy
So if you haven't signed up for lobby day in September do so now! Also remember we are in our 2nd day of virtual lobby week that goes until August 28th. Meet with your legislators while they are at home and let them know how critical it is to address eating disorders through federal policy.
Great job on the grassroots in a very short period of time!
Senators on the letter:
1. Franken (D-MN)
2. Kennedy (D-MA)
3. Reed (D-RI)
4. Whitehouse (D-RI)
5. Kerry (D-MA)
6. Dodd (D-CT)
7. Murray (D-WA)
8. Levin (D-MI)
9. Boxer (D-CA)
10. Stabenow (D-MI)
11. Durbin (D-IL)
12. Tester (D-MT)
13. Lieberman (I-CT)
14. Lincoln (D-AR)
15. Mikulski (D-MD)
16. Akaka (D-HI)
17. Klobuchar (D-MN)
18. Shaheen (D-NH)
19. Bingaman (D-NM)
20. Wyden (D-OR)
21. Udall (D-NM)
22. Brown (D-OH)
23. Merkley (D-OR)
24. Casey (D-PA)
25. Begich (D-AK)
26. Sanders (I-VT)
Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D., Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Action Alert: We need you to call your Senators today!
Action Alert: We need you to call your Senators today!
Urge Your Senator to Sign onto a Letter in Support of Parity Regulations Now
Action Needed no later than August 6!
Issue:
After years of hard work by mental health organizations such as the EDC, as well as other advocates and consumers, Congress passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 on October 3, 2008. The bill requires the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to issue regulations before the effective date for the Act which is January 1, 2010. It is essential the regulations are issued to avoid misinterpretation of the law and to ensure access to critical mental health and addiction services.
Senators Al Franken, Ted Kennedy, Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed are circulating a Dear Colleague Letter in the Senate which will be sent to the Secretaries of the three departments responsible for issuing the regulations insisting they act quickly and consider the comments that were filed in response to the request for information (RFI).
The EDC provided comments to the agencies earlier this year urging the agencies to interpret the law in a manner that would include eating disorders coverage. In order to make sure that years of hard work and advocacy pay off let's call our Senators and ask them to sign onto this letter with Senator Al Franken and colleagues!
Solution: Call your Senators
How to find your Senators: go to www.senate.gov
Put in your state and your two Senators will come up.
Use the phone number for the DC office (starts with 202)
The Message:
"Hi my name is XX. I am a constituent calling about the implementation of mental health parity regulations. I would like to urge the Senator to make sure mental health parity regulations are issued by October 3, 2009 by signing onto Sen. Franken's, Kennedy’s, Whitehouse's and Reed’s Dear Colleague Letter by 5:00 pm on August 6th. This step helps to ensure parity and equality are achieved for mental health and addiction services. Thank you for passing that information on to him/her."
Thanks! Every voice matters - we've had many examples of how one person writing a letter or making a phone call to their legislators makes a difference.
Once you make your call email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org and tell us who you called!
Thanks so much!
Urge Your Senator to Sign onto a Letter in Support of Parity Regulations Now
Action Needed no later than August 6!
Issue:
After years of hard work by mental health organizations such as the EDC, as well as other advocates and consumers, Congress passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 on October 3, 2008. The bill requires the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to issue regulations before the effective date for the Act which is January 1, 2010. It is essential the regulations are issued to avoid misinterpretation of the law and to ensure access to critical mental health and addiction services.
Senators Al Franken, Ted Kennedy, Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed are circulating a Dear Colleague Letter in the Senate which will be sent to the Secretaries of the three departments responsible for issuing the regulations insisting they act quickly and consider the comments that were filed in response to the request for information (RFI).
The EDC provided comments to the agencies earlier this year urging the agencies to interpret the law in a manner that would include eating disorders coverage. In order to make sure that years of hard work and advocacy pay off let's call our Senators and ask them to sign onto this letter with Senator Al Franken and colleagues!
Solution: Call your Senators
How to find your Senators: go to www.senate.gov
Put in your state and your two Senators will come up.
Use the phone number for the DC office (starts with 202)
The Message:
"Hi my name is XX. I am a constituent calling about the implementation of mental health parity regulations. I would like to urge the Senator to make sure mental health parity regulations are issued by October 3, 2009 by signing onto Sen. Franken's, Kennedy’s, Whitehouse's and Reed’s Dear Colleague Letter by 5:00 pm on August 6th. This step helps to ensure parity and equality are achieved for mental health and addiction services. Thank you for passing that information on to him/her."
Thanks! Every voice matters - we've had many examples of how one person writing a letter or making a phone call to their legislators makes a difference.
Once you make your call email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org and tell us who you called!
Thanks so much!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Gift and the Power of One Voice --Yours!
Have you ever wondered if your voice really makes a difference on Capitol Hill? Or wondered if your voice really matters to your Member of Congress? If so, I'm here to encourage you: IT DOES make a difference! YOU make a difference!
On July 22, 2009, Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee signed on as a Cosponsor of the FREED Act. Since Jeanine and I hadn't personally met with his staff to discuss FREED, we were curious as to how the Congressman heard about the bill and what encouraged him to sign on. Jeanine called Congressman Cohen's office and was told that the Congressman signed on as a cosponsor of the FREED Act because one of his constituents had written a letter expressing why the FREED Act is so vital and important to her.
Because of this one person's voice the FREED gained another cosponsor! It is so important to remember that you have the gift and the power to use your voice and that your voice matters, including on Capitol Hill, where your voice as a constituent makes a difference to Members of Congress!
Margaret Mead's famous quote lends the sentiment ever fittingly, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Each of you is a unique voice in the "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens" and each of you CAN make a difference!
Thank you to each and all of you who continue to speak out and speak up about the FREED Act and Eating Disorders! With your voice, and our collective voices, I truly believe we WILL witness the passage of the FREED Act! IF you haven't sent your letter do so now. Go to the following EDC website link and follow the easy step-by-step guide to writing your letter today http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/take-action.htm
From the Hill ~ your Policy Assistant, Kathleen
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Mental health and healthcare reform
A blog post today at the Huffington Post by Representative Patrick Kennedy sheds light on issues of importance to the EDC community: In Reforming Our Health Care System, We'd Be Crazy to Ignore the Mind.
Friday, July 17, 2009
"Interested in Health Care Reform? If so, the Hill is THE place to be this summer!"
Written by Kathleen MacDonald, Policy Assistant
"Have you ever read an epic novel, oh say, "Gone With The Wind", and found that you really dug the length of the novel --all 1,037 pages of it? Well, if so, then may we suggest some comparable reading? "America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009", the House version of this the "Health Care Reform" bill keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page! (page 1,018 to be exact.)
Well, OK --maybe the "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" doesn't "keep you on the edge of your seat" and maybe it might never be remembered for a singular line comparable to, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" --but I promise you every page matters to us!
Yesterday Jeanine and I visited offices of some Members of the House to talk about the FREED Act (HR 1193)and then dropped in on the hearings for 'Health Care Reform' (the short-and title referring to "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009"). We sat in on the Education and Labor Committee hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building. We happened to walk in during the debates centered on the potential "public health insurance option". Interesting were the statements from Members who described some of the disconnects currently present in Medicare and how that might transfer to the "public health insurance option" currently laid out in this draft of the bill. One of the most notable comments came from Congressman Andrews (with whom we'll follow-up directly) who detailed the unnecessary, yet continuing, reality of patients who face re-admission to hospitals/treatment centers because of the lack of proper care. He noted the particular reason for the high number of re-admissions as: lack of adequate (including length of stay) treatment. I think Jeanine and I were about to jump up and down shouting, "Yes! Yes --we 'get' that! People with Eating Disorders deal with this ALL the time!!"
I left the hearing curious to know: How many of you know someone who was prematurely discharged from eating disorder treatment due to lack of adequate care, only to need readmission at a later date? We'd love to hear from you on this, so please feel free to comment --and feel free to forward this blog post onto others!
We're looking forward to attending more hearings and mark-ups and will keep you posted as we do.
from Capitol Hill
Kathleen
"Have you ever read an epic novel, oh say, "Gone With The Wind", and found that you really dug the length of the novel --all 1,037 pages of it? Well, if so, then may we suggest some comparable reading? "America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009", the House version of this the "Health Care Reform" bill keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page! (page 1,018 to be exact.)
Well, OK --maybe the "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" doesn't "keep you on the edge of your seat" and maybe it might never be remembered for a singular line comparable to, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" --but I promise you every page matters to us!
Yesterday Jeanine and I visited offices of some Members of the House to talk about the FREED Act (HR 1193)and then dropped in on the hearings for 'Health Care Reform' (the short-and title referring to "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009"). We sat in on the Education and Labor Committee hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building. We happened to walk in during the debates centered on the potential "public health insurance option". Interesting were the statements from Members who described some of the disconnects currently present in Medicare and how that might transfer to the "public health insurance option" currently laid out in this draft of the bill. One of the most notable comments came from Congressman Andrews (with whom we'll follow-up directly) who detailed the unnecessary, yet continuing, reality of patients who face re-admission to hospitals/treatment centers because of the lack of proper care. He noted the particular reason for the high number of re-admissions as: lack of adequate (including length of stay) treatment. I think Jeanine and I were about to jump up and down shouting, "Yes! Yes --we 'get' that! People with Eating Disorders deal with this ALL the time!!"
I left the hearing curious to know: How many of you know someone who was prematurely discharged from eating disorder treatment due to lack of adequate care, only to need readmission at a later date? We'd love to hear from you on this, so please feel free to comment --and feel free to forward this blog post onto others!
We're looking forward to attending more hearings and mark-ups and will keep you posted as we do.
from Capitol Hill
Kathleen
Monday, July 13, 2009
43 Organizations support FREED
Dear friends -
We continue building momentum for the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act) and look forward to your assistance in garnering even more support.
We are excited about the 43 undersigned organizations that actively support the FREED ACT by signing onto a letter to Congressman Kennedy thanking him for his leadership on this bill and urging its passage.
If you know of an organization that is not on this list - please speak to their leadership and urge them to support the bill as well. They can email me at jcogan@eatingdisorderscoalition.org requesting that we add their organization to the list of supporters. THANKS!!!!!!
AABA (American Anorexia and Bulimia Association) of Philadelphia
Academy for Eating Disorders
Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
A Chance to Heal
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
American Counseling Association
American Group Psychotherapy Association
American Mental Health Counselors Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychoanalytic Association
American Psychological Association
American Psychotherapy Association
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
CEDAR Associates
Center for Change
Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt
Center for Clinical Social Work/ABE
Eating Disorders Center of Denver
Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action
Eating Disorder Hope
Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
Emily Program and Emily Program Foundation
F.E.A.S.T.
FREED Foundation
Gürze Books, LLC.
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
Maudsley Parents
Mental Health America
Monte Nido Treatment Center & Affiliates,
Multiservice Eating Disorders Association
National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems
National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations
National Eating Disorders Association
National Foundation for Mental Health
Ophelia’s Place
Rader Programs
Remuda Ranch
Suicide Prevention Action Network
The Renfrew Center Foundation
US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA)
We continue building momentum for the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act) and look forward to your assistance in garnering even more support.
We are excited about the 43 undersigned organizations that actively support the FREED ACT by signing onto a letter to Congressman Kennedy thanking him for his leadership on this bill and urging its passage.
If you know of an organization that is not on this list - please speak to their leadership and urge them to support the bill as well. They can email me at jcogan@eatingdisorderscoalition.org requesting that we add their organization to the list of supporters. THANKS!!!!!!
AABA (American Anorexia and Bulimia Association) of Philadelphia
Academy for Eating Disorders
Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
A Chance to Heal
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
American Counseling Association
American Group Psychotherapy Association
American Mental Health Counselors Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychoanalytic Association
American Psychological Association
American Psychotherapy Association
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
CEDAR Associates
Center for Change
Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt
Center for Clinical Social Work/ABE
Eating Disorders Center of Denver
Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action
Eating Disorder Hope
Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
Emily Program and Emily Program Foundation
F.E.A.S.T.
FREED Foundation
Gürze Books, LLC.
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
Maudsley Parents
Mental Health America
Monte Nido Treatment Center & Affiliates,
Multiservice Eating Disorders Association
National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems
National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations
National Eating Disorders Association
National Foundation for Mental Health
Ophelia’s Place
Rader Programs
Remuda Ranch
Suicide Prevention Action Network
The Renfrew Center Foundation
US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July Updates from the Junior Board
Happy July from the EDC Junior Board! Our inaugural fundraising efforts are well underway and our Junior Board is working diligently to raise awareness and funds on behalf of the Eating Disorders Coalition. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting exciting events and shopping opportunities happening all over the country.
Here are just a few to kick things off…
If you are live in or close to Washington D.C area:
Jr. Board Members Jamie Larson and Allie Moore will be hosting “Cocktails for a Cause” on Wednesday July 29th at 5pm at Wisdom Cocktail Lounge. Admission ($15 in advance, $20 at the door) includes a hand pressed cocktail, a raffle ticket (prices from area restaurants, yoga studios, spas and more), and free appetizers. In addition to the raffle, a live auction will be taking place as well. All proceeds from the event will go to the EDC.
Also, join Jamie L. as she teaches a community yoga class at Capitol Hill Yoga in support of the EDC Friday, July 10 from 5:00-6:15pm. No class payment is required however we ask that all give a donation of your choosing to benefit the EDC.
Calling all Knitters:
As the Renfrew librarian, Jr. Board Member, Eileen Binckley has been watching patients at Renfrew do lots of knitting while in treatment. Being a knitter herself, Eileen has decided, as part of her fundraising efforts, to sell hand-knitted scarves to benefit the EDC. She is looking for some volunteer knitters that would be willing to help. If you love to knit or have a family member/friend that does, please let her know! You can contact Eileen at ebinckley@comcast.net.
And of course, we hope to see you all on September 24th for Lobby Day. Come join us in building further momentum around the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED), the first eating disorders legislation to comprehensively promote research, treatment, education, and prevention programs
On behalf of the Junior Board, we wish you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday weekend. Take good care and be well.
In good health, Johanna Kandel.
Here are just a few to kick things off…
If you are live in or close to Washington D.C area:
Jr. Board Members Jamie Larson and Allie Moore will be hosting “Cocktails for a Cause” on Wednesday July 29th at 5pm at Wisdom Cocktail Lounge. Admission ($15 in advance, $20 at the door) includes a hand pressed cocktail, a raffle ticket (prices from area restaurants, yoga studios, spas and more), and free appetizers. In addition to the raffle, a live auction will be taking place as well. All proceeds from the event will go to the EDC.
Also, join Jamie L. as she teaches a community yoga class at Capitol Hill Yoga in support of the EDC Friday, July 10 from 5:00-6:15pm. No class payment is required however we ask that all give a donation of your choosing to benefit the EDC.
Calling all Knitters:
As the Renfrew librarian, Jr. Board Member, Eileen Binckley has been watching patients at Renfrew do lots of knitting while in treatment. Being a knitter herself, Eileen has decided, as part of her fundraising efforts, to sell hand-knitted scarves to benefit the EDC. She is looking for some volunteer knitters that would be willing to help. If you love to knit or have a family member/friend that does, please let her know! You can contact Eileen at ebinckley@comcast.net.
And of course, we hope to see you all on September 24th for Lobby Day. Come join us in building further momentum around the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED), the first eating disorders legislation to comprehensively promote research, treatment, education, and prevention programs
On behalf of the Junior Board, we wish you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday weekend. Take good care and be well.
In good health, Johanna Kandel.
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