Lobby Day 2002 Eating Disorder Advocates Lobby Congress Washington, D.C. - February 28, 2002

FAC members Mary Ellen and Holli Clausen share their personal story with Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM).

Fifty-seven people attended our Second Annual Lobby Day, on February 28th, from 15 different states and Canada. Our participant numbers are expanding, as this is an increase of 15% from last year. We held 44 meetings with Members of Congress in one afternoon. We met with 22 Democratic members, 21 Republican members and one Independent member to discuss eating disorders and mental health parity. This is a 45% increase from the number of meetings we had last year! Members and staff were receptive to our message. More importantly, many members of Congress were moved by the personal stories they heard from their constituents. This is the beginning of a relationship. The EDC will continue to hold annual lobby days to connect the people who are directly affected by eating disorders with those in Washington who have the power to promote change. In the meantime, we encourage advocates to remain in contact with representatives and respond to our Action Alerts.