Action Alert!

National Mental Health Call-In Day, Tuesday, January 31

On Wednesday February 1, 2006, the House of Representatives will vote on final passage of S. 1932, the Budget Reconciliation Bill, that would cut Medicaid services by $42 billion over 10 years and dramatically reduce the accessibility of community-based mental health care—resulting in people becoming sicker, needing emergency care and hospitalization, ultimately costing the federal treasury and states more in the long run.

If you are represented in Congress by one of the key members voting on this bill, please call your member's office on Tuesday, January 31, and urge your representative to oppose the Medicaid cuts during this last critical vote on February 1st. Click here to view a list of key members.

Why does this matter to us? Because federal dollars support treatment in Medicaid-certified eating disorder treatment programs throughout the country.

Medicaid in the United States is a program managed by the states and funded jointly by the states and federal government to provide health insurance for individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income. Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Fact Sheet:  Impact of S. 1932, the Budget Reconciliation Bill
on Access to Mental Health Services

Call Congress, Tuesday, January 31!

GlaxoSmithKline Donates $15,000 to the EDC

January 17, 2006 - GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is donating $15,000 to the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC). In making the announcement, Director of Marketing Theodore Kyle said the contribution was in recognition of GlaxoSmithKline's interest in the work of the EDC to promote the healthy weight and healthy eating behaviors.

"Thin" Eating Disorders Documentary
Screened at Sundance Film Festival

A documentary about eating disorders by photographer Lauren Greenfield is being screened at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Web site reports that Greenfield gains unprecedented access to a Florida residential treatment center to observe four anorexic women, aged 15 to 30, struggling to recover over a six-month period.

EDC Office Space Expands, Now Closer to U.S. Capitol

The EDC is increasing it's footprint in Washington! A new office on Pennsylvania Ave., just one block from the U.S. Capitol, now offers more convenience for the EDC administrative assistant and student interns. EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan says, "The new space is really great in terms of access. Not just access to policymakers, but to restaurants, the Metro, and the Library of Congress research materials."

The new space includes several amenities, such as complementary subscriptions to Roll Call and The Hill, meeting rooms, and a concierge.

Cogan adds, "Now, we're just a short walk from most of our meetings!"