LOBBY DAY 2001

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Eating Disorder Advocates Lobby Congress Washington, D.C. - April 25, 2001

"My husband, Vic, says I came back from Washington changed. He said that there is an attitude about me that wasn't there before we left. I believe it is from standing united, standing with parents and siblings that have made such an overwhelming sacrifice.... I am different, and I would be surprised if all of us are not changed in some way."

-- Dawn Montaner, eating disorder advocate

The EDC held its first annual national lobbying day on April 25th in Washington, D.C, with additional advocacy events on April 24th.

Terry Rostemeyer shares her story with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

For the first time in history, people with eating disorders, their families, friends, and professionals came together from across the country to educate Congress on the dangers and realities of eating disorders. The Coalition's advocacy arm is the Family & Friends Action Council (FAC), with more than 200 people from almost 40 states. Of those people, 45 attended this energizing two-day event, which laid the foundation for successful efforts in promoting much-needed and appropriate eating disorder policies.

The lobbying day began with Executive Director Jeanine Cogan training FAC members how to be savvy advocates. Attendees learned how to tell their stories in five minutes, to communicate clearly and effectively, and to present a unified message: "Eating disorders are dangerous, can be treated successfully with appropriate treatment, and need a policy response." We asked Congress to support mental health parity to improve access to care and to promote awareness that eating disorders are a growing public health concern. Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone was invited to speak to the group about his mental health parity bill, the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act, that will be voted on before the end of September 2001.

Matt Lynch share his experience with Hill staffers.

Senator Wellstone, a dynamic speaker and a champion of mental health reform, pledged to continue to work for parity.

After the training session, FAC members set out in teams to prearranged meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. We visited more than 40 offices in the House and Senate, from both sides of the aisle. The consensus was that the meetings were successful and productive in creating support for eating disorder policies. Most new advocates returned feeling empowered, energized, and encouraged. For many it was the first time they felt like they had a voice. As Mary Gee said afterwards, "Thank you for a truly awesome experience! I definitely learned a lot and am excited about what future efforts we will accomplish! It was a terrific reminder that even one individual can make a difference, and a group can move mountains."