Eating Disorder Organizations Join Forces to Urge Focus on Health and Lifestyle Rather Than Weight

PRESS RELEASE

December 15, 2009

Contact: Chevese Turner

chevese.turner@bedaonline.com

(410) 570-9577

Eating Disorder Organizations Join Forces to Urge Focus on Health and Lifestyle Rather Than Weight

(Severna Park, MD) December 15, 2009 - The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC), International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp), and the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) have joined forces and are advocating together for a focus on health and lifestyle rather than weight as a measurement of well-being.

In late November, media stories reported that an American university implemented a new strategy for combating rising weights by requiring students to be weighed during their freshman year. Those deemed obese are required either to lose weight or pass an extra course focused on physical fitness. In response to this, and other similar strategies within the global "war against obesity", national and international eating disorder organizations have joined forces to recommend school administrators, employers, and health policy makers focus more on health and lifestyle for all populations rather than on weight alone.

Eating disorder groups assert that this well-intentioned, but under-informed and unproven strategy of focusing on weight fuels weight-prejudice and neglects groups which may be in equal need of improving their health and lifestyle. There is also the concern that these programs may contribute to negative self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and eating disordered behaviors. Neither the scale nor BMI calculation provides the full picture regarding health status, such as lifestyle and activity patterns, and physical and mental health measures. Thus, assuming ill health based on weight alone is not only inappropriate but harmful and discriminatory, and should be discontinued.

"There is concern that we have lost sight of the importance of avoiding harm in the process of addressing obesity." AED President Susan Paxton, PhD, FAED states, "Further, we cannot ignore the opportunity to create a healthier environment, where people of all sizes are given the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, instead of singling out individual groups for reform based on weight alone".

Paxton continues, "It is our hope that professional and community societies can join hands in fighting for healthier lifestyles and increased respect for people of all sizes, thus simultaneously promoting all aspects of health (i.e., physical, social, and emotional) within our communities."

• The AED has developed "Guidelines for Obesity Prevention Programs" (http://www.aedweb.org/media/Guidelines.cfm), which are intended to address the issues illustrated by the above example, and the more global issues in combating rising weights.


• Additionally, the EDC has developed talking points regarding BMI testing (http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/documents/TalkingpointsBMI.pdf).

*Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) is a global professional association committed to leadership in eating disorders research, education, treatment, and prevention. For more information go to http://www.aedweb.org/.

*Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, high quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder through outreach and support, education, and resources. For more information go to http://www.bedaonline.com/.

*The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is a federal public policy organization that works to advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority. For more information go to http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/.

*International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) promotes a high level of professionalism among practitioners who treat those suffering from eating disorders by promoting ethical and professional standards, offering education and training in the field, certifying those who have met prescribed requirements, promoting public and professional awareness of eating disorders and assisting in prevention efforts. For more information go to http://www.iaedp.org/.

*The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. The programs include a National Helpline, Annual Public Conference, Educational and Awareness Programs, sponsorship of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Media Watchdog Program, Parent Family and Friends Network, Young Investigator Research Grants and more. For more information go to http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/.

Eating Disorders Coalition Applauds the House for Approving the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962)!

The Eating Disorders Coalition applauds the U.S. House of Representatives who, in an historic vote that lasted late into the night on Saturday, November 7, 2009, approved the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962)!

We extend our deepest gratitude to all 220 Members of the House who voted "Aye" on HR 3962. And we offer specific thanks to our champion of the FREED Act (HR 1193), Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), and his health legislative staff, who tirelessly dedicated their energy and expertise to ensure the inclusion of Mental Health and Substance Abuse language within the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

One key aspect of HR 3962 that specifically relates to all those impacted by Eating and Body Image Disorders is the extension of mental health parity that was passed into law in 2008. Congressman Kennedy offered these remarks underscoring the significance of the inclusion of Mental Health and Substance Abuse language in this historic Bill (HR 3962): "A key aspect of this legislation that is of particular importance to me is the extension of the mental health parity protections established into law last year by my legislation, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Not only are these protections extended to all plans in the Health Insurance Exchange, but mental health and substance use benefits are a part of the essential benefits package created by this legislation. For 67% of adults and 80% of children needing mental health care that do not receive it, this victory cannot be understated. I commend my colleagues and my fellow citizens for their leadership in recognizing that the health of the mind truly cannot be separated from the health of the body." The Congressman also voiced his commitment to work with the Senate as they come to the point of introducing healthcare reform legislation, "to ensure that these critical provisions are retained" (in the Senate bill).

Not only did Jeanine Cogan, our Policy Director, work closely with staffers from various offices during the process of healthcare reform being legislated on both sides of the Hill, but so too did many of you join us for our September Lobby Day to advocate for both the FREED Act (HR 1193) and in support of a health care reform bill that included provisions for mental health and substance abuse! Your voices helped increase support for the goals outlined by Congressman Kennedy and his late father, Senator Edward M. Kennedy: to ensure guaranteed coverage for treatment for mental health and substance abuse in the essential benefits package! It was in using your voice on Lobby Day that helped raise awareness with key offices for the need of a healthcare reform bill that would save rather than threaten lives by eliminating coverage denial for pre-existing conditions, eliminate limits of lifetime dollars on what insurers will pay, and also for lowering costs for preventative care and negating rate increases for pre-existing conditions. Perhaps most importantly, your advocacy on Lobby Day helped garner support of a bill that encourages doctors to make health care decisions rather than insurance companies making decisions about what care is necessary!

The fact that we were able to actually get meetings with staffers and Members of Congress during a very healthcare reform focused, and somewhat chaotic time, on the Hill speaks volumes towards underscoring the positive reputation that the Eating Disorders Coalition has established over the past nine years. From meeting with Members of Congress and their staff, building relationships, and continuing to raise awareness of eating disorders through our dedicated advocacy based on our mission statement, we have become the known voice on the Hill on the topic of eating disorders, including in relation to obesity initiatives. We offer our deepest gratitude to each of you who have supported our mission, especially our Lobby Day efforts, and we look forward to continuing our advocacy efforts with you in the future.

While the Affordable Health Care for America Act lends valuable outlines for the treatment of those affected by mental health and substance abuse, there is still work to be done for those impacted by eating and body image disorders. And we need your help to further the FREED Act in both the House and Senate. One very simple step you can take is to join in the forward momentum on the FREED Act by participating in our November Letter Writing Campaign! To find out how you can join in, please go to: http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/LetterWritingCampaign2009.htm

Finally, I want to acknowledge that the next step in healthcare reform does now rest with the Senate. The Eating Disorders Coalition employs hope that both Chambers will come to a timely and the best decision for the millions of Americans who currently live with disparate coverage, unaffordable coverage, or worse, without any health insurance coverage at all. We hold onto the hope that the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy expressed so beautifully in his article published with Newsweek magazine (July 27, 2009), "Every American should be able to get the same treatment that U.S. Senators are entitled to... This is the cause of my life. It is a key reason I defied my illness last summer to speak at the Democratic convention in December…to make sure, as I said, “that we break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American…will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not just a privilege.” ~ What an awesome vision!

On that note, I'm off to the Hill to advocate for the FREED Act, filled with hope that we will see the FREED Act passed into law! Afterall, it is the right thing to do!

Kindly,

Your Policy Assistant, Kathleen

Your voice is needed for our letter writing campaign to be a success: Be One of 100 Constituents to Write their Members of Congress!

Be one of the first 100 constituents to actively support the FREED Act (HR 1193) when you join us in our November Letter-Writing Campaign!

Between Tuesday November 3rd and Tuesday, November 17th, our goal is to have at least 100 constituents write letters to their Members of Congress urging them to sign on as a cosponsor to the FREED Act! This is a simple, yet very powerful and effective opportunity for you to use your voice to support the FREED Act. We have had Members of Congress sign onto the FREED Act because of receiving one letter from a constituent --your voice CAN make a difference!

We've outlined the "how to's" below for your convenience. We encourage you to follow the letter format below, but also encourage you to tailor it so that it speaks from your specific connection to Eating Disorders.

Thank you for your support in our November Letter-Writing Campaign! We could not do this without your voice, passion, and commitment to the cause!

...from the Hill,
Jeanine Cogan, Policy Director
Kathleen MacDonald, Policy Assistant


HERE'S HOW:

First:
Find Out, "Who Is My Representative?"

Use this link to find your Representative's information:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

Before you send a letter, FIRST you need to check to see if your Representative is already signed on to the FREED Act (HR 1193) as a co-sponsor! We currently have 25 co-sponsors (listed below). If your Representative is already signed on, you are more than welcome to (and encouraged to) modify the letter into a Thank You letter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathleen: policyassistantEDC@yahoo.com.

Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 6/11/2009
Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] - 2/26/2009
Rep Capps, Lois [CA-23] - 6/9/2009
Rep Carnahan, Russ [MO-3] - 5/12/2009
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] - 10/8/2009
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 7/22/2009
Rep Connolly, Gerald E. "Gerry" [VA-11] - 4/29/2009
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] - 5/21/2009
Rep Courtney, Joe [CT-2] - 2/25/2009
Rep DeGette, Diana [CO-1] - 5/5/2009
Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] - 9/25/2009
Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] - 4/2/2009
Rep Fattah, Chaka [PA-2] - 9/8/2009
Rep Gordon, Bart [TN-6] - 6/3/2009
Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] - 9/14/2009
Rep LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14] - 4/30/2009
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 9/25/2009
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 6/3/2009
Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] - 4/21/2009
Rep Napolitano, Grace F. [CA-38] - 6/9/2009
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 5/20/2009
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 4/30/2009
Rep Schauer, Mark H. [MI-7] - 10/14/2009
Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] - 10/7/2009
Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] - 3/9/2009


Second:
Find Out, "To Whom Do I Send My Letter?"

Use the contact information posted on your representatives' website. Most offices allow you to email your letter directly from their website. Cut and paste your adapted letter from below into their email. Then send. Third:Compose Your Letter Using the Sample Letter Below as a Guide AND make sure to "cc" on your email: manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org AND policyassistantEDC@yahoo.com

Make sure to address your letter appropriately by writing it to either Congresswoman or Congressman depending on who she or he is.

SAMPLE LETTER:

Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
telephone number and email address

Date

The Honorable First Name Last Name (Your Representative)
Address of Office (ie: 104 Longworth House Office Building)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman/Congresswoman____________ (last name in the blank)

As a member of the Eating Disorders Coalition and as a constituent of your district who has personally been impacted by eating disorders, I am writing today to ask you to cosponsor the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act, (the FREED Act, H.R. 1193). The FREED Act is the first comprehensive eating disorders bill in the history of Congress. The bill focuses on research, treatment, education and prevention of eating disorders and serves as a beacon of hope for the millions of people in our country currently suffering from binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

At lowest estimate, 9 million American women and 1 million American men suffer from anorexia, bulimia, and EDNOS. It is estimated that between 2-5% of the American population suffers with binge eating disorder. Eating disorders affect every single system of the body and are associated with serious medical complications including cardiac arrhythmia, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, infertility, heart failure and death. In fact, left untreated anorexia nervosa has the highest death rate of all mental disorders, at upwards of 20%. However, when a person suffering from anorexia receives proper treatment, the death rate falls to between just 2-3%.
Research demonstrates that eating disorders CAN be successfully overcome when early detection and adequate and appropriate treatment take place. Unfortunately, at this point in time, eating disorders are all too often undiagnosed or completely misdiagnosed by health professionals, and access to treatment is limited. Less than 1/2 of all people with eating disorders receive the treatment they both need and deserve.

The FREED Act will save lives by providing for better access to proper treatment, research dollars to better understand the etiology and effective treatment of eating disorders, grant programs to ensure more medical health professionals and school personnel be trained on eating disorders prevention and treatment, as well as PSA's to broaden awareness of eating disorders.
Currently the FREED Act has bipartisan support with 25 cosponors. I want to urge you to also sign on as a cosponsor of the FREED Act (HR 1193) today. The FREED Act would have significantly changed my life and could have saved thousands of lives before now. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

(Your Name)

What Lobby Day Meant to Me

Eating Disorders have been a part of my life since I was born, I just didn’t know it yet. It seems unfathomable that something so pervasive in every day life is hardly talked about and rarely taken seriously. So many people have laughed at the words ‘eating disorders’: the media, my family, my friends, my teachers, my government… everyone. Those words weren’t funny anymore when my best friend lost about twenty pounds in two weeks. Those words hit me like a train when I walked in, her hand was down her throat, and blood was splattered along the porcelain toilet bowl. Something was wrong with this picture, how could such a beautiful girl, whom I’ve know my entire life, whom I have loved and cared for do something so terrible to herself? That’s when I decided it was time for me to make a difference and joining Boulder Youth Body Alliance (BYBA) was my key. With BYBA I feel empowered. I can make a difference in my community, but the D.C. Lobby Trip gave me a chance to change millions of lives, going straight through our government.

It didn’t hit me what we were really doing in D.C. until the initial training day. The people there have really been affected by eating disorders. Some of the people there have been denied treatment for fifteen years; others had been through successful treatment and had recovered, while others have lost loved ones. So what were we? A group of teenagers who were ‘out to change the world’. We were sure no one would take us seriously. When confessing my fears to one of the amazing people at that training day she said something like, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through, it only matters how passionate you are about the cause.” Those few words changed my life. I knew that what I said to Rep. Jared Polis mattered just as much as what anyone else had to say and that is the beauty of the lobby day. Instead of the idea that we can make a difference, we were making a difference. Each one of us was fighting for something we truly believed in by talking to people who can change our country. That made me never want to stop fighting. Coming back to our small Boulder community, I knew that everything that we’ve done is not a waste of time and we have changed people’s lives, if not our own.

2009 Advocate
Anika Suddath

Lobby Day: From a First-Time Advocate's Perspective

Lobbying on the hill this September 24, 2009 was definitely an experience that I will never forget and one that I’m proud to say that I was a part of. When I first heard about the Eating Disorder Coalition I was disappointed I wasn’t going to be able to participate in the lobbying day in April of 2009 but told myself I would be there for the next one and I was. I jumped with joy from my seat upon registering for the September lobby day but didn’t prepare myself for the agonizing battle of thoughts that soon followed. Despite my extreme enthusiasm for the upcoming day, my lack of self esteem, excessive self doubt and the controlling and abusive eating disorder thoughts began arguing that I wasn’t good enough to do such an honorable act. I started to fret about everything from what I would say, to how I would say it, to if I would make a fool of myself by saying something wrong and get banned from the hill or create problems for the EDC. I even began searching my closet for what to wear so that I would be taken seriously and not get laughed at. I sought reassurance from my boyfriend, family and friends that my list of fears wouldn’t come true and asked them to help me convince myself that it would in fact be a motivating experience. Today I can say with complete honesty that it truly was a motivating experience and I’m glad I didn’t allow my fears to steal that opportunity from me. It has always been my dream to give back to the eating disorder community that has helped me reach my own recovery and it was almost as if my eating disorder felt threatened by that idea and began showering my mind with negative thoughts. Unfortunately for ED, I know how to combat those thoughts now and live my life. I may have walked up the stairs to the House of Representatives with apprehension but I walked down them with confidence.

I didn’t know what to expect going into the day and was put at ease with the help of the members of the EDC, group leaders and even the other first time lobbyists. The training sessions and informational meetings prior to lobbying were helpful to understand how to effectively lobby and what it all entailed. We were able to role play sitting with the representatives and congressmen to clarify what we were going to say and how the meeting would operate. Being from Minnesota, my group leader was Kitty Westin and she fulfilled her duty and beyond by providing each of us a complete schedule of meetings and even a little background on each of the representatives and congressmen we were meeting with. This not only helped to ease my anxiety about where I was going but also helped with adjusting the main points I’d be making during the meeting. Kitty was very encouraging and made sure that each of us felt prepared in what we were going to say and the reactions that we might encounter. Fortunately, the responses we received in each of the meetings were positive for the most part. We were even able to convince Keith Ellison to co-sponsor the FREED Act before leaving his office. To see that kind of response and know that your words are truly making an impact, really clarifies what it is that you are lobbying for.

It was an emotional day and yet I don't think that I would change anything about it. I know for myself just being with the participants and listening to the stories being told really re-enforced why it is that I am working so hard on a day to day, moment to moment basis to remain in recovery. I truly feel lucky to be alive today because I was able to receive treatment for my eating disorder and I want to use that and fight for those that don't have that opportunity and also build a strong recovery so that I too can share my hope with those that are battling. I know that recovery is possible and worth it after seeing and hearing so many stories. Every time I hear that darn little voice in my head telling me not follow my meal plan or to work the food off through exercise or lie about what I did/did not eat, I think about all those that I have met who have reached that euphoric state of recovery and about fighting for those who are still battling because they don't have access to proper treatment. I know that I can do it because I've already proved the doctors wrong when they told me I wouldn't live to see my 20th birthday, drive a car or go away to college. It may have taken me 14 years to reach this point but I know that I have many more than that in my future and I'm going to make the best of them including lobbying until there is finally equality in the system!

Update on Parity Regulations

Dear EDC friends,

Thank you to all who called their Senators and Representatives urging them to sign a letter that puts pressure on federal agencies to promulgate the mental health parity regulations. We had more than 120 people call to weigh in on this issue. Because of this and similar grassroots efforts Sen. Franken (D-MN) was joined by 25 Senators in sending the letter to the Agencies asking them to promulgate the regulations in a timely fashion and according to Congressional intent. Rep. Kennedy (D-RI) was joined by 71 Members of Congress in sending a similar letter. This is a great showing of Congressional support - thanks for making it happen! While regulations have not yet been released by the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury, we expect they will release interim final regulations by January 1, 2010. HHS Secretary Sebelius's response to the Congressional letters are attached.

Click here to read Secretary Sebelius's response to Representative Kennedy
Click here to read Secretary Sebelius's response to Senator Franken

As you may know, October 3, 2009 marked the one year anniversary of the enactment of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Thanks to the tireless work of the EDC and other advocates around the country, one short year later we have built upon our parity victory by including mental health and addictive disorder benefits in every key health care reform bill pending in Congress. We are furthering this success by working with key members and staff to ensure that coverage for eating disorders treatment specifically will be included in any health care bill that passes out of Congress this year.

We will keep you informed! Thanks to everyone who has participated in grassroots advocacy to support our success here on the Hill!

In gratitude, Jeanine Cogan, EDC Policy Director

Lobby Day a Huge Success!

The best word to describe Lobby Day this year was simply "amazing!" It was so wonderful to see so many new faces from different places around the country using their voices to make a difference. Oh what a difference they made and what a mark they left!

I was thrilled to have 12 representatives from Florida (including myself) on my team. We visited 5 Congressional offices (4 of which were new offices for our team). We had the opportunity to meet and greet with Congressman Robert Wexler, Congressman Ron Klein, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, as well as their amazing staffers. The members were really receptive to the FREED act and necessity of having a comprehensive eating disorders bill.

The day concluded with a very moving, emotional, and inspiring congressional briefing. The panelists were simply incredible. Greg Mar, Director of Business Management at Valenta Inc, spoke of abusive tactics, denials, and the impact on patient care and the necessity of care. Bruce Nagel, Nagel Rice, spoke of lessons from his successful class action lawsuit against Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey to cover claims for the treatment of eating disorders. Kathleen MacDonald, EDC Policy Assistant and an inspirational hero of mine, read Kari's story - a mother's account of the sad reality of eating disorders: A daughter dies when insurance fails to cover treatment. I am so appreciative to Kari's mother who was willing to share her daughter's battle with those of us in attendance. Hearing her story gave me even more motivation to keep using my voice. The briefing ended with an inspiring story from Danielle DeVille, an eating disorder survivor who spoke so eloquently about finally getting the treatment she needed and how she is living her life free of an eating disorder. Thank you so much to all four of the panelists!
I sincerely hope to see you all in DC in the Spring for the next Lobby Day. For those of you who have never made the trip to DC, I invite you to join us for an experience of a lifetime. Every time I leave Lobby Day, I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible organization and so motivated to continue to use my voice. I would like to sincerely thank Jeanine, Kathleen, Kitty, David, Nicole, Gail, and the rest of the EDC staff for all their amazing work and helping us be a voice on the hill.

With sincere gratitude,
Johanna Kandel, EDC Junior Board

Spring Rolls, Stir Fry, and Supporting the EDC!

EDC Junior Board member Sarah Yeung and her mother, Annette, organized an EDC fund raiser in Cincinnati, Ohio in August 2009. They held a Chinese dinner and silent auction at Sarah’s downtown apartment. Twenty-five guests attended to support the cause while enjoying some authentic Chinese cuisine. Annette, the master chef of the night, served up 9 dishes, including spring roll, wonton soup, fried rice, chicken lo mein, and various stir fry dishes!

The silent auction offered many items that were good for both body and soul. With generous support from local individuals and businesses such as Pendleton Pilates, Shine Yoga, YogahOMe, Body Truth Center for Wellness, Women Writing for (a) Change, Chocolats Latour, Brenda Ghantous Massage, and Salon DeSale, auction items included yoga and Pilate classes, nutritional counseling, writing lessons, handmade gourmet chocolate, and gift certificates for haircuts, manicure-pedicure, and massage.

The event was a great success, raising over $2000! “I am passionate about the fight against Eating Disorder and am excited that my first fund raiser was successful in enhancing awareness and helping EDC further its mission to advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority.” Sarah commented. “With this year’s success, I hope to organize a bigger-scale event next year to raise more money!”

Sarah Yeung is a EDC Junior Board Member. Sarah has spoken at various Eating Disorder awareness and recovery forums. Her art works have been exhibited at museum shows with eating disorder, self perception, and women interest themes. She currently works in Human Resources for a large health-care products and pharmaceutical company in Cincinnati.

Another successful lobby day!

The 70+ advocates that came to Washington DC last week for our lobby day did a fabulous job bringing attention to eating disorders and the need for federal policy. We visited 48 different offices from 14 different states.

Our message to Members of Congress was twofold. 1) Make sure that any health care reform bill that passes in Congress this year includes coverage for eating disorder treatment, and 2) support the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act).

The tangible results so far are that we have 2 new FREEED cosponsors (Carolyn Maloney (NY) and Keith Ellison (MN)). Plus we got some commitment from our champion Congressman Patrick Kennedy and others to work with us on ways to ensure eating disorders treatment is included in health care reform. We will pursue those leads and see where it takes us. As you can see we are at the table and making our impact known

Thank you to all who came here and made such a difference! Let's set our sights for our biggest lobby day yet in the Spring. Wouldn't it be fabulous to have people from every state next time? Thanks for your commitment to the EDC and to bringing federal attention to eating disorders! This is how bills get passed.

....from the Hill, Jeanine Cogan, Policy Director

Mental Health Parity Update

Thank you to everyone who called their Representatives following our most recent Action Alert regarding Mental Health Parity. Your efforts truly made a difference; 73 Representatives have signed on to ensure that mental health and substance use disorders are given the same level of treatment as other medical conditions covered under group health insurance. Click here to read the letter signed by all of the supporting Representatives that was send to Secretaries Solis, Sebelius, and Geithner.

A Lobby Day report

Gail Kennedy sends this Lobby Day report:

What an amazing Lobby Day yesterday was!

I have lobbied with the EDC for the past five events and they just keep getting better and better! I live here in DC and am a floating Team Lead, assigned to whichever teams need me. This year I was assigned to the great state of Virginia. We had a very large team, as VA typically does, and we met with 5 member offices: 2 Senate and 3 House. We had a combination of long-time supporters and also new target offices. We focused on FREED co-sponsorship and ensuring that eating disorders get included and clearly defined in any health care reform legislation. It was a very productive and exciting day, ending with a very emotional, motivational, and hopeful briefing on "Health Care, Insurance Coverage and Eating Disorders: Why We Need Reform and the FREED Act Now". It is always an incredible experience to lobby and realize how much our voices can make a difference.

Please invite your family and friends to join the FAC (visit our website) so they can also receive updates and get involved in our advocacy initiatives. Let's not lose the energy and momentum we started yesterday n the Hill! Hope to see you all next Spring
at our next Lobby Day.

Gail Kennedy
FAC (Family and Friends Action Council) Co-Chair

Enjoy Good Food and Good Company in Support of the EDC!

Can't make it to Lobby Day but will be in DC on September 24th? Visit the Capitol Hill Cosi at 301 Pennsylvania Ave SE for food, drinks, and an opportunity to support the EDC. Junior Board members Jamie Larson and Allie Moore will be hosting a fundraiser at the location from 5-9pm and 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Eating Disorders Coalition, with a silent auction and an opportunity to meet and socialize with advocates fresh from their day on the Hill. Tell your friends and family and be sure to stop by!

Best wishes EDC Lobby Day!

I just returned from the annual National Eating Disorders Association conference in Minneapolis, where I saw many of our allies in advocacy and treatment. I was so pleased to see EDC friends there, like Kathleen MacDonald and Kitty Westin.

I flew home in a fine mood, feeling very optimistic and energized, but a conversation on the plane reminded me of why the EDC's work matters in the lives of real people who may never know our name.

The gentleman sitting next to me was a Minnesota dairy farmer on HIS way to an agricultural Lobby Day. On hearing about my work he nodded knowingly. He has lost his health insurance because on changing insurers the new company decided his BMI was too high. His doctor says he is in excellent health, he is robust and active, but his height/weight ratio doesn't fit into the insurer's chart. This man is being forced into eating behaviors that are not healthy for him, and questioning his own habits and thoughts. I was struck by the ways anyone sitting together in a plane might be connected by issues of healthcare, mental health, parity, and the intersection of health and weight.

Lobby Day is in two days, and I am unable to attend this time - to my great regret. Thank you to all of those who will be there making a difference. We are all affected, we are all connected, and what you are doing MATTERS.

Laura Collins, Virginia

Update on Action Alert to Call Your Representatives Urging Their Support for Parity Regulations.

The deadline for Members of Congress to sign on to the House parity letter has been extended to Wednesday September 23. So now you have 2 more days to call your Representative.

Members of Congress who have signed on as of 10:30am on 9/18/09
1. Don Young
2. Jan Schakowsky
3. Chris Murphy
4. Sam Farr
5. Tammy Baldwin
6. John W. Olver
7. David Wu
8. Jim McGovern
9. Donna F. Edwards
10. Marcy Kaptur
11. James P. Moran
12. Chris Van Hollen
13. John Yarmuth
14. Zoe Lofgren
15. Lucille Roybal-Allard
16. Joe Sestak
17. James Langevin
18. Silvestre Reyes
19. Bart Stupak
20. Raúl M. Grijalva
21. John Lewis
22. Carol Shea- Porter
23. Steve Cohen
24. Bruce Braley
25. Michael H. Michaud
26. Edward J. Markey
27. Paul Tonko
28. John Sullivan

Action Alert: We need you to call your Representatives today!
Last month we had a wildly successful call in campaign for the SENATE. Now we need to repeat the same strategy for the HOUSE.

Urge Your Representative to Sign onto a Letter in Support of Parity Regulations Now
Action Needed by September 23rd.

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. The Parity Act was enacted on October 3, 2008 and requires the issuance of regulations by October 3, 2009. With or without regulations, this Act goes into effect for most plans on January 1, 2010. Not having regulations issued in a timely manner, with clearly outlined implementation details, will greatly limit the intended positive impact of the Act.

Solution:
Representative Patrick Kennedy is circulating a Dear Colleague Letter in the House 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 Representatives and ask them to sign onto this letter with Congressman Kennedy!

Action: Call your Representatives
How to find your Representative: go to www.house.gov
Put in your 9 digit zip code and your Representative 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 Congressman/Congresswoman to make sure mental health parity regulations are issued by October 3, 2009 by signing onto Congressman Kennedy’s Dear Colleague Letter by September 21st. This step helps to ensure parity is achieved for eating disorders and other mental health and addiction services. Thank you for passing that information on to him/her."
Given current health care reform discussions occurring in Congress, having parity regulations will be vital to ensuring equitable inclusion of addiction and mental health services in any reform bill passed by Congress.

Once you make your call please take a moment and let us know by filling this out. This is critical as its important for us to know what offices have been contacted. This will take no more then 30 seconds.

Click Here to take survey

FREED Act Featured in Good Morning America Story About Eating Disorders!

The Eating Disorders Coalition is thrilled that today on Good Morning America, the FREED Act was mentioned in their story on eating disorders and lack of insurance coverage! Click here to see a video of the story. The Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act) was conceptualized by the Eating Disorders Coalition and brought to life this past February as our friend and champion Congressman Patrick Kennedy formally introduced it in the House (HR 1193). The FREED Act is the first comprehensive eating disorders bill in the history of Congress!

Since the bill's introduction the EDC has hosted a spring lobby day that generated support for the FREED Act, prompted letter writing campaigns and urged constituents to call their Members to support the bill. We are excited for our lobby day next week on September 24th as we continue to bring necessary attention to eating disorders, health care, and the FREED Act.

We currently have bipartisan support of the bill with 20 cosponsors. Additionally, 44 different national and local organizations have signed a letter to Congress endorsing the FREED Act!

If you can't join us for Lobby Day next week, we highly encourage you to take a moment to write your Members of Congress asking for their support of the FREED Act. For information on how to do this simple and effective action, please click here.

To learn more about the FREED Act click here

...From the Hill, Jeanine Cogan, Policy Director

Action Alert: We need you to call your Representatives today!

Action Alert: We need you to call your Representatives today!
Last month we had a wildly successful call in campaign for the SENATE. Now we need to repeat the same strategy for the HOUSE.

Urge Your Representative to Sign onto a Letter in Support of Parity Regulations Now
Action Needed by September 21st.

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. The Parity Act was enacted on October 3, 2008 and requires the issuance of regulations by October 3, 2009. With or without regulations, this Act goes into effect for most plans on January 1, 2010. Not having regulations issued in a timely manner, with clearly outlined implementation details, will greatly limit the intended positive impact of the Act.

Solution:
Representative Patrick Kennedy is circulating a Dear Colleague Letter in the House 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 Representatives and ask them to sign onto this letter with Congressman Kennedy!

Action: Call your Representatives
How to find your Representative: go to www.house.gov
Put in your 9 digit zip code and your Representative 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 Congressman/Congresswoman to make sure mental health parity regulations are issued by October 3, 2009 by signing onto Congressman Kennedy’s Dear Colleague Letter by September 21st. This step helps to ensure parity is achieved for eating disorders and other mental health and addiction services. Thank you for passing that information on to him/her."
Given current health care reform discussions occurring in Congress, having parity regulations will be vital to ensuring equitable inclusion of addiction and mental health services in any reform bill passed by Congress.

Once you make your call please take a moment and let us know by filling this out. This is critical as its important for us to know what offices have been contacted. This will take no more then 30 seconds.

Click Here to take survey


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.

Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D.
Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition

The EDC Offers Condolences to the Kennedy Family

The Eating Disorders Coalition offers our thoughts and deepest condolences to the entire Kennedy family, especially his son and our champion, Patrick. Senator Edward Kennedy was a man of faith and perseverance on the Hill and for our country. He dedicated himself to uplifting the lives of the less privileged and inspired members of Congress to work together across the aisle on legislation that affected millions of Americans.

He championed issues such as civil rights and voting rights, SCHIP, Cobra, raising awareness of those affected by HIV/AIDS, removing stigma of those affected by mental illness, and of course health care. At the August, 2008 Democratic National Convention, Ted Kennedy tied health care to his life long theme of taking care of ALL people, as he passionately voiced, "I have come here tonight to stand with you to change America, to restore it's future to rise to our best ideals... As I look ahead I am strengthened by family and friendship. So many of you have been with me on the happiest days and the hardest days. Together we have known success and seen setbacks, victory and defeat. But we have never lost our belief that we are all called to a better country and a newer world... For me, this is a season of Hope. New Hope for a justice and fair prosperity for the many, and not just for the few. New Hope!--and this is the cause of my life. New Hope! --that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American, North, South, East, West, Young, Old will have decent Healthcare as a fundamental right and not a privilege!"

Senator Ted Kennedy was a fierce advocate, a tireless bridge builder between opposing forces, and a good humored man of generosity. We will miss his positive influence in American politics. We remain inspired however by his legacy and commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life for all people - especially those with less political and social power.

We are encouraged by the words he shared at his brother Robert F. Kennedy's funeral in 1968, "The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of new ideas and bold projects. Rather it will belong to those who can blend vision, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals and great enterprises of American Society."

In that vein, we will continue to advocate for meaningful health care for all - a "new idea and bold project" and turn to his words and example when we get discouraged. Thank you Senator for your years of service and dedication to issues that personally touch so many of us. We will never stop believing in the enigmatic power of public service, and in "Hope."

Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D
Policy Director

Kathleen MacDonald
Policy Assistant

Eating Disorders Coalition

One Week Left in Virtual Lobby Day!

There is only one week left in EDC's Virtual Lobby Day!

Meet with your legislators during the August Recess, and make your voice heard in the health care debate by advocating for reform and eating disorders without coming to DC!

The Eating Disorders Coalition's inaugural EDC Virtual Lobby week ends Friday, August 28, 2009, coinciding with the recess on Capitol Hill. This is the perfect time to meet with your representatives while they are in their hometowns and make your voice heard! Click here to download all the materials you'll need and learn more about how you can make a difference this August.

*********

Can you make it to DC for EDC Lobby Day 2009?

The Eating Disorders Coalition is hosting our second EDC Lobby Day of 2009 in Washington, DC. 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.

Program Schedule
Washington, DC

September 23rd
3:00-5:00pm – Mandatory Basic Training for all First Time Advocates
7:00-9:00pm Meet and Greet Social Reception– Drinks and Food

September 24th
9:00-11:00am – Message Training
11:30am-3:30pm – Lobbying
4:00pm-5:00pm – Congressional Briefing, The FREED Act


Details, costs, and links to register for each of these events are available via our website at: http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/.



We hope to see you in Washington, DC this September and thank you for your participation in Virtual Lobby Day!

Successful Action Alert!

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

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!

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

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.

"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

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)

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.

Hard at Work on Capitol Hill

Greetings from Capitol Hill. This is Jeanine Cogan the Policy Director of the EDC. I am excited to give you an update on our legislative progress. As you all know health care is on everyone's minds and the EDC is part of a broad based coalition that works hard toward making sure that mental health is included in health care legislation.

Great news on that front! The three committees in the House with jurisdiction over health care reform - Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Education and Labor - released joint draft legislative language for health care reform on Friday June 19. The legislation, known as the “Tri-Committee Health Reform Discussion Draft", would indeed include mental health services as part of what they are calling the essential benefits package offered by the Health Insurance Exchange.

There is so much good stuff in this 800 page bill (like prohibiting denials based on pre-existing conditions, requiring transparency and disclosure of terms and conditions in "plain language", etc, etc, etc) that I am only highlighting this one point which is so important to many of us!

For a concise summary of the bill go to http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/galleries/policy-file/HouseDraftHealthCareReform-BillSummary.pdf.

In the Senate draft bill definitions of the essential benefits package offered on the exchange would include mental health and substance abuse services as well.

I will keep you posted as new information emerges. In the meantime - we are advocating for the FREED Act and look forward to your involvement in our letter writing campaign and virtual advocacy week that we will launch in August once health care reform slows down and we can get Congress's attention.

That's all for now!

EDC Lobby Day in September!

Capitol Hill is the Place for Eating Disorder Advocacy in September!

The Eating Disorders Coalition is hosting our second EDC Lobby Day of 2009 in Washington, DC. 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.

Register early and get the best hotel prices! Details, costs, and links to register are available via our website: www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org. We hope to see you in Washington, DC this September!

Eating Disorders Coalition

FREED Act sponsors and co-sponsors

As a member of the Virginia lobbying team during the recent EDC Lobby Day I was delighted to learn that two of those we visited have signed on as co-sponsors to the FREED Act.

That makes 17 co-sponsors plus the original sponsor, Representative Patrick Kennedy!

Has your representative in the House of Representatives signed on yet?

Hello from the EDC Junior Board!

On behalf of the EDC Junior Board, we welcome you to the new EDC blog and hope that you will check back here often. My name is Johanna Kandel and I am honored to be bringing you the latest information about all the wonderful things that are going on with the Junior Board.

For those of you who are not familiar with us, we are a board that represents a variety of backgrounds, stories, and experiences – all with one common goal in mind - to support the Eating Disorders Coalition in its mission. We are in our inaugural year and let me be the first the tell you, we have AMAZING members that are already working diligently to raise awareness and funds. I will be bringing you updates once a week (some times more) about local/national events, opportunities, and even fabulous items to buy to support the Jr. Board and the EDC.

Save the Date - Our kick-off event will start with the first official fundraising week the last week of June . We are currently in the process of planning, and it is promising to be a great week! Back sure to check back here soon for updates! Hope to see you all in DC in September J Until next time…

EDC Board Director Sam Menaged Hosts Conference on ED's in the Jewish Community

Distinguished EDC Board Director (and past President of the EDC) Sam Menaged was opening speaker at a conference entitled "Food, Body Image, and Eating Disorders in the Jewish Community" on Sunday, June 7 at the Ramaz Middle School in New York, NY. Sam is founder, President and CEO of The Renfrew Center.

The conference had over 300 in attendance and included workshops exploring the role of hunger, shame and body hatred in the development of eating disorders. Again, eating disorders do not discriminate. There has been a rise in eating disorders and related issues within the Jewish community.

Again, passage of the FREED Act will allow for the required research, education/prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. We are slowly adding more co-sponsors to this Bill. Thanks to all who have contacted your representatives to push them to sign on. Keep on pushing!

Hello from EDC Board Chair Kitty Westin

Welcome and thank you for reading the new EDC blog! I am looking forward to staying in touch with you on a regular basis. The EDC Board of Directors appreciates your support and we intend to use this space to keep you informed on what we are doing on Capitol Hill. We are exited about moving the FREED Act forward and we need your help. Stay tuned for notices about EDC events and activities and please plan to join us in Washington DC in September.

EDC Board Director Ted Weltzin on Dr. Phil Today

Our distinguished Board Director Ted Weltzin was on the Dr. Phil show today helping Dr. Phil assess treatment options for a pair of young men suffering from eating disorders. Dr. Weltzin is the Director of Eating Disorder Services for Rogers Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a leading expert in the treatment of males with eating disorders and we are proud to have him serve on our board of directors. As we all know, eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect those of all ages, races, etc. More and more men are suffering and there are few specialized treatment options available. Passing The FREED Act will help us to bring more and better treatment to those in need!

EDC Builds Momentum Around FREED!

The EDC is proud to announce that 35 organizations are now in support of the FREED act, and that we now have twelve congressional co-sponsors on the bill! The current co-sponsors include: Representatives Dan Burton (R, IN), Russ Carnahan (D, MO), Gerald Connolly (D, VA), John Conyers (D, MI), Joe Courtney (D, CT), Diana DeGette (D, CO), Jo Ann Emerson (R, MO), Steven LaTourette (R, OH), James Moran (D, VA), Todd Platts (R, PA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R, FL), Christopher Smith (R, NJ).

Many thanks to all of those who came out to support the cause on Lobby Day last April and who continue to support our efforts in a myriad of other ways. This progress is the result of your efforts! We at the EDC are continuing to work hard to build even further momentum around FREED, and with that in mind, we hope you’ll stay involved by joining us at our next Lobby Day coming up this September. Check out the EDC’s website for more details!

EDC Announces Lobby Days in September

Capitol Hill is the Place for Eating Disorder Advocacy in September!

Register Today and Get the Best Hotel Rates.

The Eating Disorders Coalition is hosting our second EDC Lobby Day of 2009 in Washington, DC. 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.

Program Schedule
Washington, DC

September 23rd
3:00-5:00pm – Mandatory Basic Training for all First Time Advocates
7:00-9:00pm Meet and Greet Social Reception– Drinks and Food

September 24th
9:00-11:00am – Message Training
11:30am-3:30pm – Lobbying
4:00pm-5:00pm – Congressional Briefing, The FREED Act


Details, costs, and links to register for each of these events are available via our website at: www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org

We hope to see you in Washington, DC this September!

Eating Disorders Coalition

The Eating Disorders Coalition has a new blog!

Welcome to the Eating Disorders Coalition's news and information page. Check back often, or subscribe to this page to stay updated on the Coalition, the FREED Act, and federal legislation about eating disorders.

Together, we can make a difference!