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STAR Updates

Arizona Briefing Urges Legislative Attention to Eating Disorders, 04/17/13

Senator Hobbs speaking at the BriefingA Legislative Briefing was held on April 17th on the lawn of the state capitol building in Pheonix, AZ to educate policy makers about the need for legislation that addresses eating disorders. The event was coordinated by NEDA’s STAR Program advocates in Arizona and sponsored by Senator Katie Hobbs of District 24.

Governor Signs Eating Disorder Bill Into Law

In March 2013, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed a bill, for parental education and school screenings for eating disorders, into law. This marks a landmark victory in the fight against eating disorders.

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers Named Co-Chair of National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) will join congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) as co-chair of the National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus, the mission of which is to increase national awareness about eating disorders and support those who suffer by seeking to enhance prevention, facilitate therapeutic advances and improve access to treatment.

Legislative Victory in Virginia!

By Lara Gregorio, MA, STAR Program Manager

As of February 11th, the Virginia House and Senate have passed legislation for information about eating disorders to be sent to parents of all Virginia public school students. The bill also calls for the Department of Health to work with NEDA and other stakeholders to develop a plan for implementing eating disorder screenings in schools.

Massachusetts Legislative Briefing Educates on School Screenings, 03/07/12

A Legislative Briefing was held on March 6th in the state capitol building in Boston, MA to educate policy makers about the importance of eating disorder school screenings. Over 60 people attended the event. Speakers included Rep. Kay Khan, Beth Mayer, LICSW, Dr. Bryn Austin, ScD, Dr. Jennifer Smith, Sheliah and Kerrin Welch, and Cheryl Kerrigan. This important event not only raised awareness about the need for early intervention, but also laid the foundation for future legislative work.

New York Advocates Gather in Albany, 03/07/12

On March 6, 2012, 20 advocates from across New York gathered in Albany to educate legislators about the importance of early intervention, and to ask for their support on the bill to add eating disorders to the list of required school health screenings. The group met with 28 legislative offices, and STAR outreach has led to over 20 organizations signing on in support of the legislation.

Resolutions Enacted Declaring National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 03/05/12

Volunteer advocates in both Kentucky and Delaware successfully lobbied for resolutions declaring National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in their states. The legislation, voted on by policy makers and signed into law by the governor, draws attention to the importance of these issues. NEDA applauds the efforts of the volunteers in Delaware and Kentucky for speaking out and educating policy makers.

Fourth Annual Awareness Day Held at Missouri State Capitol, 02/23/12

On February 22, advocates from across the state gathered at Missouri's state capitol building, educating policy makers about the lack of adequate access to care and asking for their support on SB 634/HB 1509, which would require insurers to cover eating disorders. Both bills were heard by committees, indicating progress and an interest in the issue from legislators.

Second Major Legislative Victory in Virginia, 11/23/11

After Winter 2011's successful lobbying of the Virginia Legislature, the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care studied the problem of eating disorders in the state. NEDA is happy to report that on November 22, 2011, our legislative advocacy efforts have scored a second significant victory in Virginia, where the Virginia Joint Commission on Healthcare voted 9-4 in favor of instructing the Department of Education and the Department of Health to collaborate with NEDA, and other interested stakeholders, to study an evidence-based school screening program in Virginia’s school system.

Virginia Joint Commission Hears Results of Eating Disorder Study, 09/20/11

On Monday, September 19, 2011, the Behavioral Health Subcommittee of Virginia's Joint Commission on Health care convened to hear the results of a seven month study on eating disorders in the Commonwealth. The 27 page long presentation covered the definition of eating disorders, dispelled common myths about eating disorders, and discussed the impact--physically, emotionally, and financially--on Virginia residents. The Committee received the study results with interest, and explored four potential policy options to improve early recognition and early intervention of eating disorders.

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