For 25 years, we have championed policy change, advanced research, and brought hope to families nationwide. Explore our journey, see our victories, and join us as we shape the next 25 years of progress.

2000-2005: Laying the Foundation

• 2000: EDC was founded
• 2003: Recognized on Capitol Hill as the “experts” on eating disorders; secured eating disorders language in multiple bills, including The Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act; Promoting Healthy Eating Behavior in Youth Act; IMPACT Act; and Truth in Advertising Act.
• 2004: Advised by former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s office to draft a comprehensive “dream bill” for eating disorders; hosted the first national eating disorders policy conference, resulting in the crafting of the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED Act).

2005-2010: Advancing Mental Health Parity

• 2005 to 2008: Championed the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act (MHP), testifying before Congress and training advocates until its passage in 2008.
• 2009: FREED Act introduced

2010-2015: Pioneering Federal Legislation

• 2015: Anna Westin Act introduced

2015-2020: Landmark Victories

• 2016: Anna Westin Act passes—the first-ever federal eating disorders legislation—creating the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders at SAMHSA.
• 2017: Nutrition CARE Act introduced to expand Medicare coverage for nutrition therapy; EDC continues to advocate for its passage.
• 2017: Secured $1.5M in federal research grants and made eating disorders an eligible research topic under the Department of Defense’s $350M Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. EDC continues to secure funding.
• 2018: Launched a Congressional Scorecard to track federal policy support.

2020-2025: Expanding Reach and Recognition

• 2022: Anna Westin Legacy Act passes, reauthorizing and expanding the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders.
• 2022: Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery Through Vital Expansion Act (SERVE Act) passes, granting military dependents access to inpatient and residential treatment for eating disorders under TRICARE, regardless of their age.
• 2022-2024: Achieved three consecutive Presidential Proclamations for Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
• 2022: Created the Young Leader Council to amplify youth voices.
• 2023: Established a partnership with HHS Office on Women’s Health to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week every February.
• 2024: Secured the first disordered eating behavior question in over a decade on the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey.

Ongoing Advocacy and Education

• 27 Congressional briefings hosted since 2000 to educate lawmakers and elevate voices with lived experience.
• 25 Capitol Hill Advocacy Days held since 2000 to drive policy change and support individuals and families.