Turning Voices into Federal Action
Since 2000, we’ve secured billions in research funding, passed landmark legislation, and mobilized thousands of advocates to make eating disorders a federal public health priority.
A Record of Federal Victories: 2000–Present
See what advocacy has helped accomplish since 2000.
For active campaigns underway right now, visit Our Work page.
$2.3 Billion
Federal authorization securing eating disorders as an eligible research topic within the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program.
$21.25 Million
Federal funding for SBIRT training in primary care and expanded eating disorder research through the Office on Women’s Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.
12
Appropriations bills passed
26
Advocacy Days hosted
27
Congressional briefings held
100+
Member organizations
Legislative Wins
2022
The Anna Westin Legacy Act
The Anna Westin Legacy Act reauthorized and expanded the work of the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. The legislation provided continued training of primary health care professionals on eating disorders screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT). The legislation also expanded the SBIRT model to help providers screen and refer children and at-risk communities, including people of color, men and boys, military families, veterans, and LGBTQ+ communities.
2016
The Anna Westin Act
The legislation, included in the 21st Century Cures and Mental Health Reform Act of 2016, strengthened existing mental health parity laws to improve insurance coverage for eating disorders. It expanded access to life-saving residential treatment, supported early identification training for health professionals, and enhanced public education and resources to help people recognize eating disorders sooner. The law was named in honor of Anna Westin, who struggled with anorexia for five years and lost her life to the illness at the age of 21.