WASHINGTON D.C. (August 5, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Representative Jackie Walorski (R-IN-02). Representative Walorski and two members of her congressional staff, Communications Director Emma Thomson, and District Director Zachery Potts, died in a car crash on Wednesday afternoon in northern Indiana, along with the woman driving the other vehicle, Edith Schmucker. Representative Walorski served on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and was the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, as well as the House Ethics Committee.

Read the full statement here.

Washington D.C. (July 28, 2022)- Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor passed Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450), led by Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01). This comprehensive child nutrition reauthorization bill addresses and prevents child hunger. The EDC supported Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act (IMHWSA) (H.R. 5526), led by Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC-06) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) was included within the bill.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON D.C. (July 27, 2022)- Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee passed the Kids Online Safety Act (S.3663) (KOSA), led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (S.1628) (COPPA 2.0), led by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). KOSA passed unanimously, 28-0, out of committee. The two pieces of legislation now await a vote on the U.S. Senate floor. The two bipartisan bills have the potential to significantly improve young people’s wellbeing by transforming the digital environment for children and teens. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) would like to thank the Senators leading these bills, the Senate Commerce Committee members who voted in favor of its passage, and the organizations that worked tirelessly with the EDC to push these bills forward including Fairplay, Common Sense, Mental Health America, and the American Psychological Association. The EDC also gives gratitude to all its members, ambassadors, and advocates for their passion and dedication to help pass KOSA and COPPA 2.0 through committee.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of the Anna Westin Legacy Act (H.R.7249) within the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R.7666) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The EDC would like to thank Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02) for leading the Anna Westin Legacy Act to passage. The EDC also thanks its member organizations and incredible advocates across the country. The EDC could not do this work without their voices!

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2022)- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $3.715 million Eating Disorders Initiative under the Office of Women’s Health (OWH) to support grants designed to identify, develop, and implement evidence-based strategies and community-based interventions aimed at detecting and preventing eating disorders, focusing on teen girls at risk for eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is anticipated to offer up to five awards in varying amounts. The application is open until Friday, July 15 and can be found here.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 2, 2022)—Today is World Eating Disorders Action Day, a day to unite eating disorder activists, professionals, parents/caregivers, and those personally affected to promote worldwide knowledge of eating disorders and the need for early intervention and comprehensive treatment. In honor of the day, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) acknowledges and gives thanks to the U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators leading EDC’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) appropriations requests.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of the Anna Westin Legacy Act (H.R.7249) in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. Last week, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666), including the Anna Westin Legacy Act. The legislation passed through the committee unanimously. The Anna Westin Legacy Act would reauthorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders to continue training primary health care professionals on eating disorders screening, brief intervention, and referral to care (SBIRT).

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C (May 18, 2022)- Yesterday, 190 advocates from 34 states and the District of Columbia took part in the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day. Advocates spent the day sharing their personal stories and urging their congressional leaders to support the Anna Westin Legacy Act (H.R. 7249/S. 3686) and the Kids Online Safety Act (S.3663), two critical pieces of legislation for the eating disorders community.

Read the full press release here.

Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2022)- Last week, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action and The Trevor Project hosted a congressional briefing titled “Today’s Pressures on Youth: Eating Disorders Stigma and Social Media Impact on Mental Health.” The briefing focused on educating Congressional staff and the eating disorders community on the rise and impact of eating disorders on youth, particularly youth of color and LGBTQ youth. It also included a discussion on the disproportionate harms of social media on marginalized youth and barriers to identification and treatment for eating disorders. The briefing promoted two EDC-led legislative bills: the Anna Westin Legacy Act (H.R.7249/S.3686) and the Kids Online Safety Act (S.3663). You can watch the recording here. 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, DC - On March 28, 2022, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02)introduced the  companion bill to S.3686, the Anna Westin Legacy Act in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R.7249). This bipartisan legislation will authorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, first created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after the passage of the Anna Westin Act in 2016, to continue training and equipping health care professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals to treatment for eating disorders. Between 2016 and 2019, over 7,000 health care professionals have been trained on eating disorders by the Center. The continuation and expansion of the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders will help youth and families affected by eating disorders be identified and referred to needed treatment.

Read the full press release here.

(Washington, D.C.) March 24, 2022—The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the inclusion of provisions of the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2021, or EDOT Act (H.R. 4770) in the recently passed  Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103) that was signed into law on March 15, 2022. The EDC were early supporters of this legislation and led two organizational support letters urging committee leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the bill. The letter from 2020 can be viewed here and the letter from 2021 here. This legislation will examine the use of telehealth services under Medicare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDC extends our gratitude to Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) for championing this important legislation.  

Read the full press release here.

(Washington, DC) March 11, 2022- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action celebrates the inclusion of multiple eating disorders provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Appropriations package. The package passed Congress and now on the way to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. We are honored to have worked with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) who championed these lifesaving requests. These provisions will improve eating disorders research, early identification, and influence public health strategies to combat this mental illness. 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2022) - In late January, the Department of Labor (DOL), Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and Department of Treasury (Treasury) issued a report to Congress on discriminatory denials of mental health insurance coverage, also referred to as mental health parity violations. The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) was disheartened by these many violations by insurance companies reflected in this report. However, the EDC also sees this as an opportunity for the eating disorders community to work with and better inform the Department of Labor and Congress to better enforce and improve mental health parity laws. 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, DC (March 1, 2022) - Tonight, President Biden will take center stage to address the nation regarding his Administrations’ priorities for the country. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, President Biden is expected to discuss the harmful impact of social media on youth mental health and the need for improved access to care. Social media has fueled the pediatric mental health crisis and has been conducting a “national experiment” on our children for years. Platform algorithms knowingly promote harmful eating disorders and other mental health content to youth in return for boosted engagement and profits.  

Read our full statement here.

(WASHINGTON, DC) February 18, 2022- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) commemorates the White House Presidential Proclamation for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This is the first administration in three decades to recognize the week. President   George H.W. Bush signed the first ever proclamation recognizing National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in 1990. This is a historic moment for the eating disorders community, and the EDC thanks President Biden for acknowledging February 21-27, 2022, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week to prioritize eating disorders as mental illnesses that deserve attention across the nation.  

Read our full press release here.

WASHINGTON, DC - On February 17, 2022, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Anna Westin Legacy Act in the U.S. Senate, with Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), and Ted Deutch (D-FL) committing to introduce a companion bill in the U.S. House. This bipartisan legislation will authorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (the Center), first created by the Department of Health and Human Services after the passage of the Anna Westin Act in 2016, to continue training and equipping health care professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals to treatment for eating disorders. The Anna Westin Legacy Act’s introduction coincides with the anniversary of Anna Westin’s passing on February 17, 2000. Anna Westin once said, “may your dreaming never end and your voice never die” and the EDC is honored to work with Congress to keep Anna’s voice alive.  

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 16, 2022, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, introduced the Kids Online Safety Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill to protect children’s mental health and safety online. Recent heartbreaking reporting has revealed the severe harms of social media on youth body image, negative appearance comparison, and risk for eating disorders, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chair and Ranking Member’s legislation will protect minors on social media from algorithmic harms, empower parents, and hold platforms accountable for their promotion of eating disorders and other mental and physical harms.

Read the full press release here.

The Eating Disorders Coalition, along with our partner organizations, National Eating Disorders Association, National Alliance for Eating Disorders, and REDC Consortium met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health, ADM Rachel Levine to share policy recommendations the U.S. Health and Human Services can take up for eating disorders awareness, education, training, and prevention. 

Read our full list of recommendations here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2021) — The Eating Disorder Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the House and Senate for passing a bipartisan provision based on the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act (S.194/H.R. 1309) within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA). We extend immense gratitude to Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate and Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), John Katko (R-NY-24), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) in the House for their leadership of the standalone SERVE Act and the critical eating disorders provisions in the NDAA. The NDAA now advances to President Biden for his signature.  

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON D.C. (December 3, 2021)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action is pleased to announce Dr. Avanti Bergquist, Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist at Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight and Dr. Christine Peat, Director of the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) as new members of the EDC Board of Directors.  

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 11, 2021) — This week, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) and Sandy Hook Promise, in conjunction with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus hosted a virtual Congressional Briefing entitled “Behind the Images: Social Media’s Impact on Body Image and Eating Disorders” to highlight the outpouring of reports on the negative impacts social media has on children and teens wellbeing. The briefing featured experts in the field of eating disorders and social media algorithms, as well as a personal story of recovery. The full recording can be watched here.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1st, 2021) – Today the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) joined “Sound the Alarm for Kids” as a national partner committed to helping raise awareness about the mental health emergency in children and adolescents. 

Read more here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 14, 2021) The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is excited to announce the bipartisan Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act (H.R. 5526/S. 2930) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The EDC would like to thank Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC-06) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) for championing this legislation. The EDC is honored to have partnered with The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and Be Real USA to promote the necessity of mental health education, including education on eating disorders, in schools to support our nation’s youth. 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2021) — Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included two eating disorders initiatives to support military families’ access to care. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is elated the House included these monumental provisions to increase provider training and TRICARE military insurance coverage for eating disorders.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 2, 2021) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of Amendment 840 within the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes key provisions of the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act (H.R.1309). The FY22 NDAA now moves to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2021)—The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action released the following statement regarding the Senate Armed Services Committee’s decision to exclude the bipartisan SERVE Act (S.194/ H.R. 1309) from the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act: 

Read the full press statement here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 30, 2021)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC) is pleased to announce the inclusion of three eating disorders measures in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Appropriations Bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. EDC would like to thank Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) for leading these efforts.

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2021) – On June 29^th, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and Action and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness cohosted a webinar entitled, “Our Bodies, Our Communities: Supporting Individuals with Eating Disorders,” in honor of Pride Month. The webinar, attended by over 150 people, educated the eating disorders community, LGBTQ+ community, allies, and U.S. Congressional staff on issues related to eating disorders among LGBTQ+ populations. 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2021) – The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) recently helped organize a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, in an effort to secure support and funding for a set of eating disorders initiatives in the upcoming LHHS Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations bill. This letter was led by Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (R-NY-20), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and signed by an additional 47 bipartisan Members of Congress.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2021) – Yesterday, 173 advocates from 31 states and the District of Columbia took part in EDC Virtual Advocacy Day 2021. Advocates spent the day meeting over Zoom with health-focused staffers for their Members of Congress, lobbying them to urge their bosses to co-sponsor the bipartisan Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2021 (Nutrition CARE Act) (H.R. 1551/S. 584).

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 8, 2021) — Last month, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) (P.L. 117-2), a $1.9 trillion stimulus package aimed at addressing the continual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislative package contains a number of funding provisions related directly to mitigating the pandemic itself, along with provisions related to expansions in health coverage and funding for mental health programs. The EDC provides a summary of the relevant sections in a statement. 

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2021) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce that the organization has joined The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and Be Real USA to advance the Eating Disorders Prevention in Schools Act (EDPSA) in the 117^th Congress. This bill would require the inclusion of eating disorders prevention within Local School Wellness Policies (LSWPs), and encourage screening for eating disorders in our nation’s public schools.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 3, 2021) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce that the bipartisan Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act, or Nutrition CARE Act, has been reintroduced in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. 

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2021) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is excited to announce to the eating disorders community and general public that the bipartisan Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery Through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act was reintroduced today in the United States House of Representatives, by Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA), John Katko (R-NY), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX). 

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 4, 2021) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce that the bipartisan Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery Through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act was reintroduced in the United States Senate by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). 

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 14, 2020) – The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) condemns the violent attacks that occurred on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021. The insurrection laid bare the fragility of the democratic institutions we hold dear, and the deep wounds that white supremacy inflicts thereupon.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research Policy & Action (EDC) just released the second and final edition its 2020 Congressional Scorecard to help Americans understand which eating disorders-related policies their Representative and Senators supported during the 116^th Congress.

Access the full scorecard here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2020) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce that it has submitted its Top 6 for the 46^th: Eating Disorders Transition Memo for the Biden-Harris Administration. This memorandum outlines six specific eating disorders items the incoming Biden-Harris Administration can accomplish in its first year.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 10, 2020) – The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, Schuyler Bailar, inclusion, body-positivity and mental health advocate, and Dr. Kim Dennis, Medical Director, CEO and Co-founder of SunCloud Health.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 22, 2020) – On Friday, August 7, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report entitled, “Department of Defense: Eating Disorders in the Military,” which examines how the Department of Defense (DOD) screens, prevents, and provides treatment for eating disorders under the TRICARE health insurance program. The EDC applauds this effort to examine screening, prevention, and treatment access for eating disorders for military members and their families. However, the EDC finds some of the report’s findings concerning.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 13, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research Policy & Action (EDC) just released its 2020 Congressional Scorecard to help Americans understand what eating disorders-related policies their Representative and Senators supported during the 116^th Congress.

Access the full scorecard here.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA/WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2020) – Johanna Kandel, Founder and CEO of The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and Board Member of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC), has joined the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) to represent people with lived experience.

Read the full joint press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2020) – Yesterday, 185 advocates from 35 states and the District of Columbia took part in the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action’s (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 2020) – The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) would like to thank our advocates for their tireless work over recent weeks in support of the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery Through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2020) – On July 1, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) submitted comments to the offices of Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) in response to their 21st Century Cures 2.0 concept paper.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2020) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the publication of the first report in the United States analyzing the social and economic costs of eating disorders by coalition members the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2020) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Martha McSally (R-AZ) for their leadership in including report language based on the bipartisan Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act (S. 2673), within the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021” (NDAA) that was voted through in the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) last week.

Read the fulll press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 16, 2020) — In a 6-3 decision reached yesterday morning, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that if an employer fires an employee on the sole basis of that individual identifying as LGBTQIA, this unequivocally violates Title VII discrimination protections in the Civil Rights Act. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action joins advocacy organizations around the country in celebrating this landmark decision by the Supreme Court

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2020) — The EDC Board of Directors is committing to listen more, think more, act more, show up more, be more—to examine where we fall short in advocating for systemic change.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 11, 2020) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the House of Representatives and Senate letters urging the Department of Defense’s Defense Health Agency (DHA) to permit telehealth service coverage, including mental health, under TRICARE during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2020) – Last month, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Senate Committee on Finance to submit data, findings,  factors, and gaps in health insurance coverage contributing to poor maternal health outcomes in the United States. The EDC’s comments will be considered by the Committee as a maternal health legislative package is under development. 

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2020) — The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action applauds the decision made by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS), in coordination with the Administration, to expand Medicare coverage to ensure audio-only telephone services are covered during the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2020) – During this unprecedented time in our nation’s history, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action remains energetic, strident, and whole-hearted in our mission to serve the eating disorders community. As your voice on Capitol Hill, we work each day to ensure that federal policy advances critical access to eating disorders treatment and ensures continuation of health insurance coverage. We continue to work on these important provisions in subsequent federal relief packages.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 18, 2020) – Last month, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action led a letter with the support of 26 organizations to Congress, expressing strong support for the bipartisan Nutritional Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2019 (Nutrition CARE Act) (H.R. 3711/S. 2907), and urging them to bring this bill forward for consideration.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2020) – In December, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action submitted a letter to the offices of Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), urging the Representatives to consider including the text of the bipartisan Nutritional Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2019 (Nutrition CARE Act) (H.R. 3711/S. 2907), within the planned Cures 2.0 legislative package. A copy of the letter can be accessed here.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 23, 2019) – In March, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action joined researchers and advocates for a meeting hosted by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women’s Health (OWH) entitled, “How to Talk About Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating: A Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue on Messaging to Promote Healthy Behaviors and Positive Body Image.” This meeting was a part of the implementation of the Anna Westin Act, which passed within 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255). An executive summary of the meeting can be found here, and a full report can be found here.

Read the full press release here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 21, 2019) –The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action celebrates the introduction of the bipartisan Senate companion legislation of the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2019 led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). 

Read the full press release here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 28, 2019) – The US Department of Labor, US Department of Health and Humans Services, and the US Department of the Treasury released guidance last month entitled, “FAQs About Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Implementation and the 21^st Century Cures Act Part 39,” providing additional direction to insurance plans, issuers, and outside stakeholders in an effort to promote compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the Departments additional guidance, including new clarifications that will enhance insurance coverage for eating disorders as a result of the Anna Westin Act provisions included within the 21^st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255). 

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 23, 2019) – Military members and their families have higher prevalence rates of eating disorders than the civilian population, with an estimated 7-8% of servicemembers affected by this serious mental illness. Furthermore, studies show that over 20% of children of servicemembers and 34% of female active duty military members are at risk of eating disorders, and according to a recent study 16% of female veterans meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. The mental health ramifications of eating disorders are unlike any psychiatric illness, due to a high mortality rate, only second to that of opioid use. This high mortality rate, coupled with complex co-occurring medical conditions and the numerous issues our military members and families face with the ability to access eating disorders treatment, demand the Senate to take action.

Read the full statement here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2019)—The Eating Disorders Leadership Summit’s virtual gathering in August highlighted the importance of unity, communication, and collaboration across the field of eating disorders.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2019)—The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC) Board President presents oral comments today at the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) 257^th Meeting. The NAMHC plays an integral role in advising the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the Director of National Institutes of Health; and the Director of National Institute of Mental Health on policies and programs that support mental health research, research training and other programs of NIH.

Read the full statement here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 5, 2019)—The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC) is proud to welcome the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) as the latest additions to the growing EDC family.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2019) – While often not discussed, eating disorders affect 3-4% of the senior population, and 6% of females and 3% of males with disabilities. Eating disorders for older Americans and Americans with disabilities are particularly serious given the likelihood of co-occurring chronic diseases or illnesses that already compromise a person’s health. Studies show this population is more likely to have an eating disorder compared to the general population. 

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17, 2019) – The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) celebrates the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Marketing and Outreach Restoration to Empower Health Education Act of 2019 [Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act] (H.R. 987), which provides critical reforms and funding to support the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This legislation immediately follows the passage of the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019 (H.R. 986), which the EDC successful advocated for during our EDC Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2019) – Military members and their families have higher prevalence rates of eating disorders than the civilian population, with an estimated up to 7-8% of servicemembers affected by this serious mental illness. Particularly, research shows that 34% of female active-duty servicemembers and 20% of female adolescent dependents are at risk of an eating disorder, and 16% of female veterans are affected by an eating disorder. The high mortality rate and strong correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, and eating disorders among servicemembers and their families demonstrates an alarming need in Congress to ensure early intervention and access to treatment for this life-threatening disorder.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2019) –The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and 142  advocates representing 27 states and the District of Columbia participated in the EDC’s annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day, championing stabilization of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as critical new legislation ensuring individuals and families covered by Medicare have access to the medical nutrition therapy needed to initiate and sustain recovery from eating disorder illnesses.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 10, 2019) – The Eating Disorders Coalition joined scholars, advocates and advisors for a convening on March 29 hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health (HHS/OWH) entitled, “How to Talk About Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating: A Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue on Messaging to Promote Healthy Behaviors and Positive Body Image”. This meeting served as the latest iteration in implementation of the EDC’s flagship legislation—Anna Westin Act, which passed in 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255).

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 26, 2019) – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed a surprising reversal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that the court should uphold the December judgment by Judge Reed O’Connor of the Federal District Court in Fort Worth, Texas that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) should be eliminated in its entirety. Previously, the DOJ only supported ending coverage for pre-existing conditions within the ACA.

Read the full statement here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 14, 2019) – The U.S. House of Representatives majority Energy and Commerce Committee has declared an investigation into health insurance companies that sell short-term, limited duration insurance (STLDI) plans. The Eating Disorders Coalition supports the majority Committee’s decision to examine these policies further as STLDI plans have a history of discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Read the full statement here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2019) – The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) joins our mental health colleagues in aligning with Judge Spero’s recent decision in Wit v. United Healthcare Insurance Company as a step forward in ensuring patients and their families receive the mental health and substance use disorder services they need and deserve. Judge Spero found United Behavioral Health (UBH), UnitedHealth Group’s unit managing services for mental illness and substance use disorder in private health plans created policies to discriminate against patients with mental health and substance use disorders. The 11 plaintiffs in the case of Wit v. United Healthcare Insurance Company represent over 50,000 patients who were denied care under UBH discriminatory policies. The main plaintiff in the case, Natasha Wit sought coverage for treatment of multiple chronic conditions, including a severe eating disorder and was repeatedly denied treatment by UBH. 

Read the full statement here.

The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is proud to share its focus on two new federal policy initiatives in 2019—one centered on expanding Medicare coverage for persons with eating disorders, and the other concentrated on protecting provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affecting patients with the serious mental illness of eating disorders and their families.

To read the full letter, click here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2019) — At the beginning of 2019, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) Board of Directors welcomed new executive leadership for the organization. Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS has been elected to serve as Board President for a two-year term alongside Board Vice President Molly McShane, MD, MPH, CEDS.

Read the full press release here  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 25, 2018) — The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is dismayed by recent New York Times media reports of an attempt by the Administration to roll back civil rights. The Administration, through the Department of Health and Human Services, seeks to drop meaningful Title IX protections, thereby effectively endorsing sex discrimination in education programs receiving government financial assistance. With over 2 million individuals identifying as transgender or gender-diverse in our nation, such a change would be fundamentally detrimental to these persons, with a radically toxic effect upon their health and well-being. Worrisomely, the proposed action opens the door for the erasure of further protections of LBGT persons, particularly with respect to vital and affordable health and mental health care services.

Read the full statement here.

The Eating Disorders Coalition wants Americans to know where their Representatives and Senators stand in support of eating disorders policy priorities.

The EDC compiled a Congressional scorecard to inform Americans about Members of Congress' record of support for eating disorders policy. The following scorecard reflects how each Member of Congress has supported eating disorders policy during the 114^th and 115^th Congresses. Each Member is assigned a letter grade based on the number of policy items they have led or supported.

This scorecard is not an endorsement of any candidate by the Eating Disorders Coalition or its members.

View the Scorecard

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2018) — This Wednesday, Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 6157) report for LHHS includes language to integrate the “Education and Training on Eating Disorders” for health care professionals authorized by the Anna Westin Act through 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255) into the U.S. Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Resource’s Primary Care Training & Enhancement Program. The President is expected to sign H.R. 6157 into law by this Sunday. This marks the second fiscal year in a row that Congress included the integration of eating disorders training within this funding.

Read the full report here.

On Sept. 26, 2018, the federal appropriations bill authorizing funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was passed by the House of Representatives and is on its way to the President’s desk for a signature this week. Accompanying the legislation is a Congressional conference report that includes a much needed recommendation for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist states in collecting data about eating disorders in national health surveillance systems.

Read the full press release here.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the first grant for a new federal program that would provide $3.75M over five years for a Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. SAMHSA awarded the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as its Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, led by Dr. Christine M. Peat, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Read more about it here.

Laura Donahue joined the EDC board in August 2018. Read more about our newest board member here.

Washington - Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. The Senate unanimously passed the same bill in October 2017. Read the full statement: here.

The Eating Disorders Coalition compiled an infographic summary of the new Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders Grant Application, resulting from the work of the Anna Westin Act passage and eating disorder community’s advocacy.  View the Press Release here if you missed it yesterday

Recently a bipartisan group of fifty-one Senators and Members of Congress, led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN], Shelley Moore Capito [R-WV], Tammy Baldwin [D-WI] and Rep. Ted Deutch [D-FL] and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL], sent a House and Senate letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Azar, urging the full-scale implementation of Section 13006 “Education and Training on Eating Disorders” for health care professionals authorized by the Anna Westin Act through 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255).

This past Friday, the Eating Disorders Coalition submitted mental health parity
comments for an open comment period to the Department of Labor, Department of Health & Human Services, and Treasury (“The Departments”), urging strategic changes in mental health parity guidance to better assist those affected by eating disorders to receive treatment coverage. 

The Eating Disorders Coalition Applauds Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) & Walter Jones (R-NC) for Leading a Bipartisan Letter to Investigate Eating Disorders Prevention and Treatment for Servicemembers and Their Families

Today, House of Representatives Armed Service Committee Members Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) and Walter Jones (R-NC-3) sent a bipartisan letter with 30 other Members of Congress to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to request a comprehensive study of the state of prevention and treatment of eating disorders for military members and their families by December 14, 2018. 

CALLING ALL MILITARY MEMBERS & FAMILIES! In order to better understand access to care issues and develop a grassroots network of advocates across the U.S., the EDC & Residential Eating Disorders Consortium (REDC) have teamed up on a survey to collect information from military members and their families who are affected by eating disorders.  

Today, Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (also known as the “Omnibus”) (Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625). The Explanatory Report Language includes language to integrate the “Education and Training on Eating Disorders” for health care professionals authorized by the Anna Westin Act through 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255) into the U.S. Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Resource’s Primary Care Training & Enhancement Program.