Eating Disorders Coalition Welcomes Two New Member Organizations May 11, 2004 - Rogers Memorial Hospital and Featherweight, Inc. have joined the Eating Disorders Coalition in order to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The unanimous vote by the EDC board of directors raises the coalition total to 25 member organizations. Rogers Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit mental health care provider offering child, adolescent, adult and older adult acute care, child and adolescent extended care, and specialized residential programs for addictions, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Rogers provides services at three locations in Wisconsin. Ted Weltzin, M.D. serves as medical director for eating disorder services and was a speaker at the EDC's national policy conference. For more information about Rogers Memorial Hospital, click here. Featherweight, Inc., is a new non-profit organization founded by Debbie Begeny and friends in Buffalo, New York. Debbie's 22-year-old daughter, Heather, lost a battle with Anorexia Nervosa in 2003. As a result, Featherweight Inc. is dedicated to the awareness and treatment of eating disorders. The group has sponsored events featuring local and state elected officials, treatment professionals, and consumers. For more information about Featherweight, Inc., click here. EDC Board Elects New President Nov. 4, 2004 - The EDC Board of Directors elected Samuel E. Menaged president at the organization's annual meeting in Philadelphia. Menaged is the second president of the Coalition, which was established in 2000 to advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority. Sam Menaged is president and founder of The Renfrew Center, an eating disorders treatment program with patient services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. Menaged is a former healthcare attorney. The new EDC president's two-year term coincides with the 109th Congress, the Coalition's second national conference, and expansion of the organization's activities to new audiences. Coalition founder David Herzog, M.D., director of the Harvard Eating Disorders Center, presided at the meeting in Philadelphia. Four years ago Herzog launched the Coalition with a handful of founding member organizations. He guided the Coalition through the nonprofit's first four years, working closely with executive directors Jeanine Cogan (2000-2002) and Marc Lerro (2002-present). Position Statement on Mandatory School Weigh-ins Nov. 4, 2004 - The growing problem of mandatory school weigh-ins has prompted the Eating Disorders Coalition to adopt a position statement in opposition to the practice. The EDC board of directors voted in favor of a statement that denounces the efforts of school personnel to use mandatory weigh-ins and calculations of body fat in the fight against childhood obesity. The statement reads: "The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action opposes the practice of mandatory body fat testing, weigh-ins, or calculations of Body Mass Index (BMI) by school personnel because of the risk of inadvertently promoting eating disorders. In the event of testing or calculation school officials should: 1) be trained about eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, 2) receive written parental permission prior to conducting these practices, and 3) respect the right to refuse such screening by parents or students." An EDC director said that she expects parents to use the new statement to call attention to the down sides of mandatory testing. AABA Philadelphia Joins the Eating Disorders Coalition Septmeber 16, 2004 - The American Anorexia / Bulimia Association of Philadelphia, a local organization with an impressive history of community service, was welcomed into the Eating Disorders Coalition by the EDC board of directors in September 2004.  This brings the number of EDC member organizations to 27. AABA/Philadelphia is a non-profit, providing services and programs for anyone interested in or affected by, Anorexia, Bulimia and/or related disorders. Its purpose is to aid in the education and prevention of these life threatening disorders. Additionally, their referral programs and support groups assist in the treatment and recovery process. AA/BA American Anorexia and Bulimia Association of Philadelphia P.O. Box 1287 Langhorne, PA19047 215-221-1864 www.aabaphila.org EDC Works with Senator Tom Harkin on Comprehensive Chronic Disease and Prevention Bill June 18, 2004 - After months of talks between Senator Tom Harkin, the Eating Disorders Coalition, and other nonprofit health groups, a major new comprehensive health care bill was announced today by the Iowa Democrat. Senator Harkin's legislation will focus on fighting chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles. "Seventy-five percent of the $1.8 trillion the United States spends annually on healthcare is spent on the treatment of Americans with chronic diseases," Harkin said. "Yet only two percent of annual health care spending in the United States goes toward the prevention of chronic diseases." The EDC had a front row seat in the Senate for today's announcement by Harkin. The senator and his staff have been learning about eating disorders and treatment for several months, communicating with the EDC and federal mental health experts. Dr. Jeanine Cogan, EDC policy director, said "This bill creates mental and behavioral health surveillance programs, and that should help us in the eating disorders community." She added that the surveillance programs would be headed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)." Also in the bill, S. 2558, are school-based grant programs for health promotion and disease prevention, and community-based programs promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity. In the coming months, Senator Harkin wants the bill to be discussed by candidates seeking office. It is likely that a revised version of the bill will be introduced in January for the 109th Congress. Photo: Marc Lerro, Sam Menaged, Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Dr. Jeanine Cogan. Eating Disorders Coalition Hosts First National Policy Conference April 16, 2004 - The first national policy conference on eating disorders was held April 15-16 in Washington, D.C. The conference was sponsored by the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action. Over 130 researchers, educators, treatment professionals, consumers, and government officials participated in the conference. David Herzog, president of the EDC, said the group assembled the experts in the eating disorders communities in order to focus on where they want to go, not just as a coalition, but as a larger community of groups and individuals who want to set a course for health care policy. The title of the event was “Creating a National Eating Disorders Agenda: Integrating Research, Policy & Practice.” James Stone, the deputy administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), spoke during the opening session. SAMHSA helped to fund the conference, along with member organizations of the EDC and corporate sponsors. Click here to read more.   2004 EDC Awards Dinner Celebrates Contributions of Leaders April 15, 2004 - One hundred fifty people joined host Kate Dillon for the 2004 EDC Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. The awards recognized leaders in research, policy, action, and service. Click here for details.   HHS Secretary Thompson Meets with EDC and NEDA April 14, 2004 - Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson met with representatives of the Eating Disorders Coalition and the National Eating Disorders Association in Washington, D.C. on April 14. The meeting began with Craig Johnson, M.D., outlining important basic concepts, and Walt Kaye, M.D., talking about research. Secretary Thompson also heard from Lynn Grefe of NEDA, Jeanine Cogan of the EDC, and others including a consumer who was present. Also participating in the meeting was Thomas Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Thompson has recently been learning about eating disorders and he has expressed a desire to appear at the NEDA conference later this year. EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan said that awareness is increasing as more policy leaders seek information about eating disorders. "We're reaching beyond Congress, and meetings such as this are the proof that the time has come to get our message before influential people."   Congressional Briefing Attracts a Full House   April 14, 2004 - Eating disorder experts discussed treatment and costs before a packed Senate hearing room on April 14. The briefing sponsored by Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN) attracted 78 people, including staffers from 20 house and senate offices, nonprofit groups, government officials, and members of the media. Click here for details. Left to right: Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D., Kitty Westin, Timothy Walsh, M.D., Gail R. Schoenbach, and Mary Ann Stump, R.N. 50 Citizen Lobbyists Join EDC for the Fourth Annual Lobby Day for Eating Disorders April 14, 2004 - Every voice counts! On April 14, 50 additional voices were counted on Capitol Hill as citizen lobbyists carried important messages to the offices of U.S. representatives and senators. Click here for details. Right: Nametags are ready for citizen lobbyists during lobby day training.   Morning Edition Story on Eating Disorder Research Link Seen Between Anxiety, Eating Disorders December 3, 2004 · Researchers find children who suffer anxiety are more prone to develop eating disorders later in life. The study in the December issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry compared some 700 women suffering from eating disorders to women who didn't. Psychiatrist Walter H. Kaye, M.D., and an international team of researchers found that women with eating disorders were twice as likely to have suffered anxiety as children. The most common disorder was obsessive-compulsive disorder, present in almost half of the group. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports. Click here to listen to the story. EDC Welcomes Summer Intern Rachel Beckman June 21, 2004 - Rachel Beckman knows about the importance of breaking the silence of eating disorders. When her parents helped Rachel find treatment for her eating disorder, Rachel decided to chronicle her experiences in a series of columns that were read by thousands of college students and faculty members. After successful treatment, Rachel Beckman returned to school, completed her degree in journalism (with a minor in political science), and moved to Washington, D.C. Rachel is bringing her openness and enthusiasm to her summer internship with the Eating Disorders Coalition. She is working on an EDC research project, compiling policy information from various sources. Results will be published in August. The project utilizes her skills as a writer, reporter, and as an advocate for eating disorders awareness. When she's not collecting information or looking for a regular job, Rachel will be watching fireworks shows, visiting national monuments, and making connections. We're glad that -at least for awhile- she's connected to the Eating Disorders Coalition! EDC Bids Farewell: Congressional Intern Lara Insel Organized Briefings, Lobby Day, Files, and Data May, 2004 - Congressional Intern Lara Insel accomplished a lot during her eight months with the EDC. She organized two congressional briefings and a lobby day when she wasn't organizing files and databases. EDC staff and board members were delighted to have an intern for more than the standard semester. Insel's MSW program at Smith College requires her to gain extensive knowledge through lengthy assignments around the country. While working with the EDC, she demonstrated a willingness to do whatever was needed. As a sign of the EDC's appreciation, Insel was presented a 2004 Service Award at the EDC Awards Dinner. (Yes, her proud parents were in the audience.) We wish Lara the very best as she prepares for her new assignments and classes. Eating Disorders Awareness Week Press Conference Left: NEDA President Doug Bunnell, EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan, NEDA CEO Lynn Grefe, Rep. Judy Biggert, Emme, Gail Schoenbach, and Carre Otis. February 25, 2004 - Eating disorders awareness, prevention, research, and treatment were the focus of a press conference today at the U.S. Capitol. The press conference was coordinated by U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL), the National Eating Disorders Association, and the Eating Disorders Coalition. Congresswoman Biggert welcomed participants and described the eating disorders legislation that she has introduced into the 108th Congress, including House Resolution 506 (below). She has been a champion of the issue on Capitol Hill. Lynn Grefe, the chief executive officer of the National Eating Disorders Association, spoke about her personal connection to eating disorders and called for additional federal resources to combat the problem. "We spend only $20 million a year on research," Grefe said, noting that less common health problems get far more money. She also called for insurance parity, noting that many health care plans offer little or no coverage for eating disorders. She said that policies offering minimal coverage for a deadly mental health issue is like MacDonald's Drive-through, "just feed them and move on." Supermodel and NEDA Ambassador Emme described her years of struggle with weight and self-image issues while working in the fashion industry. She said she now speaks to school groups and is amazed that after each program girls and boys ask her "how can I help my mother, or how can I help myself?" She also noted that boys are starting to play with their weight. Supermodel and NEDA Ambassador Carré Otis talked about breaking through her own denial an eating disorder when, at 30, she underwent heart surgery to correct damage done by years of suffering with the disease. "It was a devastating wake-up call. I've also had to rebuild my jaw, my teeth, and my digestive tract because of years of abuse." Gail Schoenbach, an activist and person in recovery, gave her perspective as a woman who was not diagnosed with an ED until she was 39. "I was binging and purging 10-20 times a day. When I first sought treatment, we paid out-of-pocket, $900 a week for an out-patient program." She said that when she relapsed, she checked herself into a six-week program in Florida, costing $50,000. "We took out a mortgage on our home." Schoenbach said, "I'm now just a person doing fundraising, doing whatever I can." She urged people with an eating disorder to find a qualified doctor or therapist, "not just someone who says 'it's just a phase, get over it.'" EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan told the stories of people who died battling eating disorders. "We need to tell our stories and the stories of others, in dignity. In doing so, we are breaking the cycle of shame and silence." Dr. Cogan then named several people including Elizabeth Ratner, Elisa McCall, Kristen Watt, Heather Henderson, Melissa Rustemeyer, Anna Westin, and Joanne Gorman. (Gorman's husband, Jim Sinclair, was present at the press conference. He was also a speaker at an EDC Congressional Briefing last summer.) NEDA Board of Directors President Doug Bunnell closed the program, citing both good and bad news. The bad news being that most people can't afford adequate treatment, and that successful treatment for some eating disorders averages 4-7 years. "The good news," Bunnell said, "is that treatment works." 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 506 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 28, 2004 Mrs. BIGGERT (for herself and Mr. STRICKLAND) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce   RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Whereas an estimated 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 people in the United States suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder; Whereas eating disorders are more common among women, but an increasing number of men also suffer from these disorders; Whereas an estimated .5 to 3.7 percent of women in the United States will suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetimes, an estimated 1.1 to 4.2 percent of women in the United States will suffer from bulimia nervosa, and an estimated two to five percent of people in the United States experience binge eating disorder during any given six-month period; Whereas anorexia nervosa has the highest premature mortality rate of any mental illness; Whereas eating disorders are associated with serious physical health consequences, including irregular heartbeats, heart disease and heart failure, kidney failure, osteoporosis, gastric rupture, peptic ulcer, tooth decay, obesity, gall bladder disease, diabetes, and death; Whereas eating disorders are also associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide; Whereas shame, guilt, and misunderstanding often afflict a person who suffers from an eating disorder, and prevent the treatment of the disorder; and Whereas the National Eating Disorders Association and its affiliated organizations have designated the week of February 22, 2004, as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, to increase public awareness of eating disorders and to promote healthful eating habits and a healthy body image: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week-- (1) to increase public awareness of eating disorders; (2) to expand research for treatment and cures; (3) to broaden access to treatment; and (4) to promote healthful eating habits and a healthy body image.
EDC Welcomes Steve Emmett to the Board of Directors Feb. 10, 2004 - The EDC Board voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to welcome Steve Emmett, Ph.D. to its ranks. Dr. Emmett is a Unitarian minister and private practice therapist in Scituate, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, and head of the Anorexia & Bulimia Association of Rhode Island. He is currently on the board of Dads and Daughters, the national advocacy nonprofit that inspires fathers to engage in the lives of their daughters and supports efforts to transform the pervasive cultural messages that devalue girls and women. He has served as a board member of the National Eating Disorders Association and edited the book Theory and Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia: Biomedical, Sociocultural, and Psychological Perspectives.	EDC Welcomes Feb. 10, 2004 - The Eating Disorder Center of Denver joined the Coalition today following a unanimous and enthusiastic vote by the EDC Board of Directors. The Eating Disorder Center of Denver programs range from Partial Hospitalization (11 hrs a day, 7 days a week), Intensive Outpatient Program (three evenings per week), to a la carte outpatient and group therapy services allowing a patient to practice recovery skills and gain success in a less restrictive environment. Director of Marketing and Outreach Therese Karsten, Medical Director Kenneth Weiner, and others at the center expressed an interest in working with the Coalition to improve federal eating disorder policies. Having a member organization of this size and caliber also helps with EDC when making appointments in Washington with elected officials from Colorado and other Western states.
Parenthood.com story on eating disorders (February 2004)