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EDC Lobby Day
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The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action brought 80 advocates from 18 different states to Capitol Hill on April 9 - 10, 2008 with a message to Congress; Eating Disorders are deadly illnesses but there is HOPE. With adequate education and prevention, treatment and research people recover and LIVE. Congress can make a difference; we urge Congress to pass the first comprehensive eating disorder legislation in US history.
The Eating Disorders Coalition organized a full schedule of events beginning April 9 when first time lobbyist met with EDC Policy Director, Dr. Jeanine Cogan in order to learn the basics of lobbying. One of those first timers was Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, who chose eating disorders awareness as her personal platform. Her knowledge of eating disorders stems from her personal experience with anorexia and body image issues that began for her at 13. Kirsten says, “I chose this issue not only because it is very close to my heart, but also because I realize the seriousness of the illness, and the desperate need for national attention.”
Miss America was honored at a reception for her courage in bringing a public face to very stigmatized and misunderstood issues. Over 50 people attended this elegant event to thank Kirsten for making eating disorders her personal platform and educating the public about the seriousness of eating disorders. Kirsten spoke from her heart while she told her story and told the audience that she will use her year as Miss America to “stand up and tell young women that they are valued and they are successful because of their character and their wonderful unique qualities, not because of the measure of their waistline.” Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad attended the reception and he spoke eloquently about his personal experience struggling with substance abuse and the importance of speaking openly and honestly about mental illness and addictions. He thanked the EDC and Kirsten for our hard work and dedication to helping people who suffer from eating disorders and for bringing these issues to the attention of policy makers. In addition to honoring Miss America the EDC also honored outgoing Executive Director Marc Lerro who served the Coalition for five years and helped us grow from a handful of member organizations to 35 member organizations and thousands of individual members.
Over 80 citizen lobbyists met with Dr. Cogan on Thursday April 10 for “Message Training”which involved in-depth training on the first comprehensive eating disorder legislation in US history. The Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (FREED) Act will create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, provide for evidenced-based standards of care, and establish education and prevention programs for medical professionals and schools at all levels. After training our 15 lobby teams went to the offices of their Senators and Members of Congress to urge support of this important and life saving legislation and for the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.
According to Ashley Southland who is a repeat participant of lobby days; “Today was a very inspiring and empowering experience.” | ||
Previous
EDC Lobby Days:
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
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Gail Kennedy & Tim Barabe
FEAST / Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders
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