WHITE PLAINS, NY – February 26, 2024 — In a pivotal moment, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) formally unveils The Grace Holland Cozine Resource Center, a beacon of support and knowledge for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. This significant milestone aligns with Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024, starting today, Monday, February 26, through Sunday, March 3, under the theme “Get in the Know.” In the fight against eating disorders, public awareness is essential.
“Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an opportunity for us to amplify our commitment to fostering understanding and support for those affected by eating disorders,” says Dr. Doreen Marshall, CEO of NEDA. “The Grace Holland Cozine Resource Center represents a crucial step in providing accessible resources and information, which has never been more important given the recent increase in eating disorders and the subsequent need for individuals and families to have credible information to begin their journey toward treatment.”
Established to honor the life and memory of Grace Holland Cozine, the Resource Center serves as a vital online hub, connecting those affected with critical knowledge and lived experiences essential for their journey toward recovery. The center offers tailored information for a range of audiences, including individuals, loved ones, patients, children, students, and educators.
Patty Cozine, mother of Grace Holland Cozine, shares her perspective, stating, “young people are at a greater risk than ever of developing an eating disorder. It’s in honor of Grace and her fierce spirit that we’ve committed to doing all that we can to make sure that people who need help can find it – immediately and effectively. Grace was committed to bringing greater awareness to this misunderstood disease in order to support her vulnerable peers and their families, and this resource center is a manifestation of her vision and spirit.”
Key Eating Disorders Statistics:
- Nine percent of the US population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetimes.
- Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
- Only one in five people with eating disorders seeks treatment from someone who specializes in eating disorders.
- Clinicians are less likely to identify disordered eating behaviors in women who identify as Black or Hispanic, even with similar symptoms.
- Individuals in higher weight bodies are less likely to receive an eating disorder diagnosis, despite a 2-3 times greater chance of engaging in disordered eating behaviors.
Available for Interview:
Available for additional insights or expert commentary are:
- Dr. Doreen Marshall, CEO, National Eating Disorders Association
- Patty Cozine, Co-founder, Grace Holland Cozine Foundation
- Individuals personally affected by eating disorders
Media Contact:
Caitlin Hamilton, Communications Consultant
909.753.8012
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About the National Eating Disorders Association
NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Through our programs and services, NEDA raises awareness, builds communities of support and recovery, funds research and puts essential resources into the hands of those in need. For more information, please visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org