Are you passionate about promoting awareness for eating disorders and supporting federal legislation to help those suffering with eating disorders? Are you interested in making a difference? We’re looking for leaders!
The Eating Disorders Coalition is currently looking forward for leaders that will be part of the Junior Board and will use their voices to raise awareness and funds for the EDC. The Eating Disorders Junior Board supports the organization, raises money, advocates for important legislation, and brings awareness to the work we are doing. We are looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and geographic locations to fill seats on the Junior Board, and who will work independently and as a team with fellow members in order to meet goals our organization has set for the year.
The Junior Board application process is competitive: the commitment we make to each member requires us to limit the opportunity.
Members of the Junior Board will be expected to:
• Spread the word about FREED, the EDC, and Lobby Days
• Raise $1500 Give/Get by End of Year
• Participate in Junior Board Calls
• Strongly encouraged to attend at least one Lobby Day a year
We believe the opportunity to work together on this board will be meaningful and rewarding to each member, and lead to future collaboration and advancement in eating disorder advocacy. The Junior Board, under the approval of the Board of Directors, will also have the opportunity to think about other ways they can be spreading the word about the EDC and have their voices heard.
If you are ready to pursue this opportunity to be part of EDC’s work and mission, please complete the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/73FSWK5
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
FAC Volunteers Needed
HELP WANTED
Spread Your Passion for
EDC National Lobby Day by
Urging Eating Disorder Advocates to Attend:
EDC National Lobby Day,
April 12, 2011
Dear FAC Members,
We know that YOU understand the importance of the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day…but there are many ED Advocates who do not yet know about the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day! With your help, time and passion, we can increase attendance at EDC National Lobby Day and increase the likelihood of passing the FREED Act into law!
Of course we want advocates from all 50 states to come to the Hill to advocate for the FREED Act (–the first ever comprehensive bill in the 200+ years of Congress to address eating disorders!) But this year we are targeting our attention on a few specific states (listed below).
If you are interested in putting up flyers on your campus, starting a letter-writing campaign, spreading the message on Facebook and/or other social networks email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org
Here are our “Target States” for April, 2011 –but again, ideally we need to represent ALL 50 States in order to pass the FREED Act!
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
Spread Your Passion for
EDC National Lobby Day by
Urging Eating Disorder Advocates to Attend:
EDC National Lobby Day,
April 12, 2011
Dear FAC Members,
We know that YOU understand the importance of the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day…but there are many ED Advocates who do not yet know about the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day! With your help, time and passion, we can increase attendance at EDC National Lobby Day and increase the likelihood of passing the FREED Act into law!
Of course we want advocates from all 50 states to come to the Hill to advocate for the FREED Act (–the first ever comprehensive bill in the 200+ years of Congress to address eating disorders!) But this year we are targeting our attention on a few specific states (listed below).
If you are interested in putting up flyers on your campus, starting a letter-writing campaign, spreading the message on Facebook and/or other social networks email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org
Here are our “Target States” for April, 2011 –but again, ideally we need to represent ALL 50 States in order to pass the FREED Act!
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
Thursday, March 3, 2011
U.S. Senators Harkin, Klobuchar, and Franken introduce bill to confront eating disorders in the U.S.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
David Jaffe, Eating Disorders Coalition,
202-543-9570
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States took an important step toward addressing the national emergency of eating disorders when Senators Tom Harkin, Amy Klobuchar, and Al Franken introduced the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (FREED) Act today.
“The FREED Act is the first legislative effort in the history of the Senate to comprehensively confront the seriousness and deadly threat of eating disorders in the
A coordinated national response like the FREED Act can help the millions of Americans suffering (and, too often, dying) from eating disorders.
“It has been ten years since anorexia killed my daughter Anna,” said EDC Board Member Kitty Westin. “And eating disorders have killed thousands of Americans since then. It’s time for Congress to pass the FREED Act as a critical first step in addressing this national emergency.”
Eating disorders do not discriminate: men and women, all economic classes, old and young are affected. Sadly, eating disorders even touch young children. According to a recent report in the December issue of PEDIATRICS, Official Journal of the
The FREED Act would fund much needed research to better understand eating disorders and provides solutions for prevention, education, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Among other things, the legislation would fund grants to conduct research on treatment efficacy, train health professionals and school personnel to identify and respond to eating disorders, and build on existing reform efforts to ensure that treatment is available to those who need it.
Ten months ago, two days before she was to join the Eating Disorders Coalition citizen lobbying effort on Capitol Hill, a young woman from Pennsylvania named Nicole died in her sleep from her eating disorder. Nicole’s mother sadly states, “If the FREED Act was in place, I might still have my daughter with me today.” Nicole’s aunt, Wendy Bloom, added, “The FREED Act will stop the endless pain for millions of people. It will allow treatment for a disease without the fear of not completing their treatment because their insurance doesn't cover it. It will end the torment and pain of another mother burying her child because she couldn't afford treatment.”
For more information about the FREED Act and/or The Eating Disorders Coalition, please contact:
202-543-9570 or visit www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org.
New Report in Pediatrics Addresses Rise in Eating Disorders in those 12 and Younger
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2010-2821v1
...from the introduction of the article:
"Increases in the incidence and prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and other eating disorders in children and adolescents make it critically important that pediatricians be familiar with early detection and appropriate management of these disorders. Results of epidemiologic studies have indicated that the numbers of children and adolescents with eating disorders increased steadily from the 1950s onward. During the past decade, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has also increased dramatically, accompanied by further emphasis on dieting and weight loss among children and adolescents."
...from the introduction of the article:
"Increases in the incidence and prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and other eating disorders in children and adolescents make it critically important that pediatricians be familiar with early detection and appropriate management of these disorders. Results of epidemiologic studies have indicated that the numbers of children and adolescents with eating disorders increased steadily from the 1950s onward. During the past decade, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has also increased dramatically, accompanied by further emphasis on dieting and weight loss among children and adolescents."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
EDC Announces “HOLDING INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE”
Contact: David Jaffe
For Immediate Release
Phone: 202-543-9570
EDC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR “HOLDING INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE”
The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is disturbed by the brazen and wide-sweeping trend among health insurance companies to limit the scope of treatment benefits for eating disorders.
February 17, 2011 marks the 11-year anniversary of the death of Anna Westin, a young woman who died from her eating disorder after being denied adequate treatment by her insurance company. As a result of Anna’s death, her former insurance company recognized the need for adequate coverage of necessary treatment for eating disorders and now covers that.
Sadly, other insurance companies do not. Across the country, insurance companies are eliminating, denying, and severely limiting coverage for eating disorder treatment.
Westin’s mother and EDC Board Member, Kitty Westin, says, “These insurance denials are all too reminiscent. Isn’t 11 years enough time to do the right thing? How many more people must die before insurance companies get the message that adequate coverage isn’t a luxury, but a life-saver?”
For example, in January of 2011, Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield categorically eliminated residential treatment as a covered mental health benefit from the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. They made this decision despite solid clinical evidence proving that residential treatment is a critical stage of comprehensive and effective treatment for those suffering from eating disorders.
Residential eating disorders treatment is optimal for recovery for some people suffering from eating disorders because it provides a home-like setting, simulating day-to-day living where patients can practice coping skills learned in therapy sessions. Onsite and ongoing medical monitoring assists patients to re-establish regular eating and medical stability. Residential treatment also allows for essential reintegration back into the community, while providing structure and support.
Specialized treatment for eating disorders is cost effective and reduces mortality. Residential treatment is a good investment, as it reduces the risk of relapse when the appropriate amount of treatment is provided. Inadequate treatment virtually guarantees relapse and the need for additional treatment. The EDC argues that treatment should be determined by severity and type of illness, rather than what is arbitrarily allowed by an individual’s insurance company.
Other insurance companies are using a twisted interpretation of the mental health parity law passed in 2008 as justification for denying coverage of residential treatment. According to their interpretation of the parity law, since there is rarely any residential benefit under the medical/surgical portion of the insurance plan, they state there is no need to provide residential coverage for mental illnesses.
The EDC finds it insulting that these insurance companies are responding to federal legislation that was designed to provide consumers with more access to care - by providing less! That was not the intention of Congress when it passed the federal parity law. Indeed, according to the Final Interim Regulations, using the parity law to provide less favorable benefits for mental illness undercuts the very protections that the statute was intended to provide. Not complying with the parity regulations is a calculated effort to avoid costs at the expense of people's health and lives.
After a decade of championing legislative efforts to promote optimal access to treatment, the EDC is addressing this trend head on. We have created the Campaign for "Holding Insurance Companies Accountable" where we are working with families, specialized attorneys, and experts in the field to put an end to such discriminatory and deadly practices.
What can you do? The EDC is currently looking for people who have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment in our efforts to hold insurance companies accountable.
Email us at EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com with your story of denial of residential care in your state. We will collect your stories to leverage change.
Eleven years is far too long to wait. Join us and STAND UP now to the sweeping denial of residential treatment coverage for eating disorders.
For Immediate Release
Phone: 202-543-9570
EDC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR “HOLDING INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE”
The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is disturbed by the brazen and wide-sweeping trend among health insurance companies to limit the scope of treatment benefits for eating disorders.
February 17, 2011 marks the 11-year anniversary of the death of Anna Westin, a young woman who died from her eating disorder after being denied adequate treatment by her insurance company. As a result of Anna’s death, her former insurance company recognized the need for adequate coverage of necessary treatment for eating disorders and now covers that.
Sadly, other insurance companies do not. Across the country, insurance companies are eliminating, denying, and severely limiting coverage for eating disorder treatment.
Westin’s mother and EDC Board Member, Kitty Westin, says, “These insurance denials are all too reminiscent. Isn’t 11 years enough time to do the right thing? How many more people must die before insurance companies get the message that adequate coverage isn’t a luxury, but a life-saver?”
For example, in January of 2011, Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield categorically eliminated residential treatment as a covered mental health benefit from the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. They made this decision despite solid clinical evidence proving that residential treatment is a critical stage of comprehensive and effective treatment for those suffering from eating disorders.
Residential eating disorders treatment is optimal for recovery for some people suffering from eating disorders because it provides a home-like setting, simulating day-to-day living where patients can practice coping skills learned in therapy sessions. Onsite and ongoing medical monitoring assists patients to re-establish regular eating and medical stability. Residential treatment also allows for essential reintegration back into the community, while providing structure and support.
Specialized treatment for eating disorders is cost effective and reduces mortality. Residential treatment is a good investment, as it reduces the risk of relapse when the appropriate amount of treatment is provided. Inadequate treatment virtually guarantees relapse and the need for additional treatment. The EDC argues that treatment should be determined by severity and type of illness, rather than what is arbitrarily allowed by an individual’s insurance company.
Other insurance companies are using a twisted interpretation of the mental health parity law passed in 2008 as justification for denying coverage of residential treatment. According to their interpretation of the parity law, since there is rarely any residential benefit under the medical/surgical portion of the insurance plan, they state there is no need to provide residential coverage for mental illnesses.
The EDC finds it insulting that these insurance companies are responding to federal legislation that was designed to provide consumers with more access to care - by providing less! That was not the intention of Congress when it passed the federal parity law. Indeed, according to the Final Interim Regulations, using the parity law to provide less favorable benefits for mental illness undercuts the very protections that the statute was intended to provide. Not complying with the parity regulations is a calculated effort to avoid costs at the expense of people's health and lives.
After a decade of championing legislative efforts to promote optimal access to treatment, the EDC is addressing this trend head on. We have created the Campaign for "Holding Insurance Companies Accountable" where we are working with families, specialized attorneys, and experts in the field to put an end to such discriminatory and deadly practices.
What can you do? The EDC is currently looking for people who have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment in our efforts to hold insurance companies accountable.
Email us at EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com with your story of denial of residential care in your state. We will collect your stories to leverage change.
Eleven years is far too long to wait. Join us and STAND UP now to the sweeping denial of residential treatment coverage for eating disorders.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Flight Deals for Lobby Day!
Hi everyone ---
Looks like there are a lot of flight deals happening right now...so now might be the time for you to book your tickets to EDC National Lobby Day (April 11-12, 2010)
Priceline.com announced some $29 deals and $150 round trip deals!
www.priceline.com
...the EDC does not endorse Priceline.com or its affiliates...we are simply providing this information as an option for your travel plans.
Looks like there are a lot of flight deals happening right now...so now might be the time for you to book your tickets to EDC National Lobby Day (April 11-12, 2010)
Priceline.com announced some $29 deals and $150 round trip deals!
www.priceline.com
...the EDC does not endorse Priceline.com or its affiliates...we are simply providing this information as an option for your travel plans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
