Family & Friends
Action Council

April 18, 2007

EDC Lobby Day: May 1

Help Launch the Eating Disorders Dream Bill. Join us in Washington to support research, treatment, and prevention. Advocacy training starts April 30 and the EDC Lobby Day is May 1. Over 60 now registered. Click here.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy Receives EDC Award for Policy

WASHINGTON April 18, 2007 - Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) will receive the Eating Disorders Coalition Award for Policy at a May 1 reception at the US Capitol. The award will be presented in recognition of the congressman's energetic work on behalf of eating disorders research, treatment, and prevention.

"Congressman Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for all those who suffer from eating disorders and their families and friends," says EDC Board President Kitty Westin. "He has raised awareness of eating disorders during a national speaking tour on mental health parity. He's sponsored congressional briefings on the topic and has worked with us to introduce comprehensive eating disorder legislation that will provide federal funding for a variety of programs nationwide. We couldn't ask for a better ally than Rep. Kennedy."

Kennedy and his staff have also worked with federal officials to learn more about the number of Americans who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified.

The EDC Award Reception is open to EDC Lobby Day participants and to members of Congress and staff. Hors d'oeuvres and assorted beverages will be served.

EDC Welcomes the Newest Coalition Member: Maudsley Parents

The EDC board voted unanimously in April to approve 2007 membership for Maudsley Parents.

Mission: We believe that families of eating-disordered children should be aware that family-based treatment, also known as the Maudsley approach, is among their treatment options. Parents who opt for Maudsley treatment deserve practical information, support, and encouragement, and our goal is to provide these resources.

From Their Website:
The Maudsley approach is an evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. In Maudsley treatment, parents play a key role in helping their child recover. In the first phase of treatment, parents are encouraged and empowered by the therapist to normalize their child’s eating while providing compassionate, non-judgmental support. Once the child’s physical health is restored, the family works with the Maudsley therapist to return control over eating to the recovering child. In the final phase of treatment, the focus shifts to helping the child establish a healthy adolescent identity. Research shows long-term outcomes with Maudsley treatment are promising.

Learn more at www.maudsleyparents.org

GET ACTIVE!
Resources on the EDC Web Site!

- Sign a Petition for Equality
- EDC Logo Products
- BodyWise Handbook for Middle School Personnel

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We focus on Washington, D.C., and national policies on eating disorders. We work with Congress, the federal government, the media, and others. From our office across the street from the U.S. Capitol complex, we call attention to the Americans struggling and dying from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and eating disorders not otherwise specified.

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