| WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 23, 2024)- For the third consecutive year, the Biden Administration has proclaimed February 26 to March 3, 2024, as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action (EDC) is committed to advancing the recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority throughout the United States and applauds the Administration’s continued efforts to join us in these efforts. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week brings visibility, support, and hope for everyone affected by eating disorders. This year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About It: Eating Disorders, Stigma, and Empowered Recovery,” focuses on understanding the facts around eating disorders, addressing common eating disorder stigmas, raising awareness about disparities in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting best practices for improving care, and empowering people when seeking support and recovery. Eating disorders can affect anyone. People of all ages, genders, socioeconomic statuses, shapes and sizes, sexual orientations, abilities, neurodiversities, races, and ethnicities can experience an eating disorder. Eating disorders often have serious physical and emotional consequences for the affected person. With proper treatment and support, individuals can fully recover. Unfortunately, less than one-third of people who have an eating disorder receive treatment. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a time to raise awareness of the progress that has been made and the work that remains to increase education, training, early intervention, screening, and access to affordable and comprehensive care. The White House Presidential Proclamation serves as a recommitment from the Biden Administration to support and address eating disorders across the nation. “The EDC thanks President Biden and his administration for issuing the White House Proclamation in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week,” said Laura Donahue, EDC Board Vice President. “The White House Proclamation along with the attention of federal agencies’ during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, is a testament to the work that the EDC and the entire eating disorder field have done to educate the public about the seriousness of eating disorders.” “I am deeply appreciative of President Biden for spotlighting National Eating Disorders Awareness Week,” said Jami Schadler, EDC Iowa Ambassador. “For 25 years, I suffered from an eating disorder. I wish that in the midst of my disorder there would have been more resources available. Now in recovery for 2 years, it has been my mission to advocate for those who continue to battle this all-consuming disease. I want those struggling to experience the freedom I feel and help them find resources. I will forever advocate to continue to have mine and others’ voices heard.” To highlight the week’s theme, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health (OWH) will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, February 29th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST. The webinar will highlight eating disorder data, disparities for underserved and underrepresented populations, and best practices in providing quality care for diverse populations. Attendees will hear from subject matter experts in the field and individuals with lived experience as they dive into the latest eating disorder considerations for individuals, loved ones, and healthcare professionals. The EDC is honored to have three members of our Board of Directors speak at the webinar: Christine M. Peat, PhD, FAED, LP, Associate Professor and Director, National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders at UNC Chapel Hill; Johanna Kandel, Founder and CEO, National Alliance for Eating Disorders; and Schuyler Bailar, Educator, Author, and Advocate. Learn more and register here. |
