EDC Action Alert

Click here to support parity!

The House Bill on Mental Health Parity, H.R. 1402, needs YOUR support NOW. Your opinion matters. Calls, letters, faxes, and e-mails from constituents are tracked by House and Senate offices. EVERY CALL COUNTS!

The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina demonstrate the importance of Medicaid in meeting the emergency needs of our citizens. In the weeks since Katrina came ashore, the EDC has joined with hundreds of other health policy organizations in calling on Congress to use the Medicaid program to meet the physical and mental needs of hurricane survivors. At the same time, the EDC and other groups have actively opposed cutting funding for Medicaid.

As with other traumatic experiences, the devastation and loss from Hurricane Katrina may result in new cases of eating disorders or relapses. Medical and mental health professionals providing treatment for eating disorders have been forced to discontinue their services or relocate as a result of the hurricane.

To learn more about how Medicaid works in your state, visit the Medicaid Action Center at Families USA (www.familiesusa.org).

Lobby Day Results in Record Number of Advocates and Visits!

The June 29 Lobby Day for Eating Disorders attracted 66 advocates from across the country. In teams of three, they visited over 64 House and Senate offices in just four short hours. This year, the teams focused attention on the need for better prevention education on eating disorders and on prevention of eating disorders and obesity.
 

Senator Clinton Addresses Congressional Briefing

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the EDC Congressional Briefing on June 29, immediately following the EDC Lobby Day. Senator Clinton spoke without notes for 15 minutes, detailing her knowledge of eating disorders and her recognition of the need for better national policies to address the deadly problem. The briefing attracted just over 100 participants, including 49 staff members from House and Senate offices. The title of the briefing was Schools, Students, Obesity and Eating Disorders. For more on the briefing, click here. Right: Karen Scherr, Senator Clinton (D-NY).

EDC Awards Dinner Celebrates Contributions to the Cause

One Hundred people celebrated the work of elected officials, researchers, activists, and volunteers at the 2005 EDC Awards Dinner on June 29. Jessica Weiner served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. For a look at award recipients, sponsored tables, and more, click here.

National Policy Conference Completes Work on Drafting a Dream Bill

One hundred activists from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on June 30 to draft a "dream bill," model legislation on eating disorders that will include sections on research, prevention and education, and treatment. EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan said, "We built upon the principles established at the First National Conference on Eating Disorder Policy. "This year, we added detail to last year's concepts, such as dedicating specific activities to various government offices. It's a blueprint that we hope Congress will adopt. The dream bill is OUR wish list for all things that the government SHOULD be doing, things it does for other disorders." The EDC is now reviewing the dream bill with advisors in Washington, D.C. The advisors are former elected officials and former staff members who have experience in drafting successful bills. Conference participants also signed their names to the Declaration of Equality for People with Eating Disorders. Their signatures will become a permanent part of the dream bill when it is presented to the United States Congress. Above: Representative Jim Ramstad (R-MN).

First State Advocacy Summit Offers Ideas and Hope

The first state advocacy summit for eating disorders convened July 1 to address the growing need for state-level efforts. The program, moderated by Lynn Grefe, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association, included speakers who are state-level activists and national policy professionals who work with state-level issues.

EDC Board Member Mary Gee said, "The mission of the EDC is federal advocacy, but we wanted to provide a venue for discussion of these important issues. We're really excited that so many people are becoming active at the state and local level."

Plan Now for 2006!

March 28, EDC Awards Dinner
March 29, Lobby Day for Eating Disorders, Congressional Briefing

June, Congressional Briefing

September 13, Eating Disorders Reception on the Hill
September 14, Lobby Day for Eating Disorders, Congressional Briefing
 «Stay Sept. 15-16 for the National Eating Disorders Association Conference!

• Get the Eating Disorders Dream Bill introduced in Congress!
• Sponsors Congressional Briefings that educate decision makers in Washington, D.C.
• Host Lobby Days for citizen activists to tell their stories to elected officials.
• Produce materials that demonstrate the need for effective policy.
• Respond to the media about eating disorder policies and the problems people face.

Click here to make a $35 gift
online for 2005.

Or by postal mail:

Eating Disorders Coalition
611 Pennsylvania Avenue SE #423
Washington, DC 20003-4303