EDC MISSION

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Our Mission:

To advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority

Policy Priorities:

We have identified the following federal policy priorities:

• Increase resources for research, education, prevention, and improved training
  

• Promote federal support for improved access to care
  

• Promote the national awareness of eating disorders as a public health problem
  

• Promote initiatives that support the healthy development of children

Our Goals:

With more focused attention on educating and working with Congress, we can effectively influence federal policy. Our specific goals are to:

• Raise awareness among policy makers and the public at large about the serious health risk posed by eating disorders

• Promote federal support for improved access to care

• Increase resources for research, education, prevention, and improved training

• Increase funding and support for scientific research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of eating disorder

• Promote initiatives that support the healthy development of children

• Mobilize concerned citizens to advocate on behalf of people with eating disorders, their families, and professionals working with these populations

We Are Reaching Our Goals By:

• Educating members of Congress:
  

We will create educational materials and briefing sheets that summarize the problems with and research related to eating disorders, and meet with Members of Congress and federal agencies. We are creating a Family Action Council where a family from each state and the District of Columbia will advocate for improved policies.

• Surveying past and current efforts:
  

We have collected data and written summary reports on what federal agencies and Congress have done to address the problem of eating disorders.

• Raising visibility:
  

We have conducted and are currently organizing Congressional events to bring increased attention to and awareness of eating disorders as a policy issue.  Our first such event was a Congressional briefing titled "Fighting for treatment, fighting for life."

• Broadening our reach:
  

We have created a web-site with information on eating disorders for members of Congress, their staff, and the general public.

• Advocacy:
  

We are working to promote policies that eliminate the problems faced by people with eating disorders, and that may prevent further people from developing eating disorders.