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.
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.
