Advocates Push for More Research Into Eating Disorders
By Jane Norman, CQ HealthBeat Associate Editor

CQ HEALTHBEAT NEWS

Eating Disorders Coalition Wins Big for Eating Disorders Research!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee agreed to FY 2013 funding for federally financed health research. Under the leadership of the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC), the funding bill contains a congressional directive "urging the National Institute of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate its research on eating disorders and to examine the possibility of creating collaborative consortia on eating disorders research". This initiative holds out the prospect of attaining two key EDC goals: the first is greater attention to and the coordination of eating disorders research across nine National Institutes of Health who possess active research portfolios in this area; the second is increased support for federal Centers of Excellence in eating disorders research at academic medical centers and universities in the United States. The EDC drew inspiration for this breakthrough initiative from the research sections of the House and Senate Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act).

In short, the EDC is committed to an aggressive strategy intended to achieve key policy goals in Washington, D.C. through available legislative and regulatory vehicles. The EDC has excellent relationships with senior officials at NIMH who we anticipate will be key players in implementing this critical congressional initiative.

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

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

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

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