Sen. Dodd Recognizes Eating Disorders Awareness Week

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced a resolution today designating the week of Feb. 26 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week, bringing attention to a serious problem affecting about 28 million Americans while underscoring the need for prevention.

“Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on our physical and emotional health,” Sen. Dodd said. “We must improve the public’s understanding of the causes, encourage early intervention and lay to rest the stigma of this pervasive affliction. As someone who’s had a loved one suffer from an eating disorder, I know how difficult it can be, but with support recovery is possible.”

Sen. Dodd’s resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 105, raises awareness of a range of significant disorders affecting people across all backgrounds. Conditions include anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders. 

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access.

California Treasurer Fiona Ma is a co-sponsor of SCR 105. Supporters have included the National Eating Disorders Association, American Nurses Association-California, Cielo House and the Eating Disorders Resource Center.

“Eating disorders affect nearly one in ten Americans from all walks of life,” Treasurer Ma said. “While common, these serious conditions don’t have to become debilitating or deadly. Let’s break the stigma around anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating so everyone living with these conditions can find the help they need to be heathy. I’m proud to join Sen. Dodd as Eating Disorders Awareness Week will raise awareness and help those affected find hope, the first step in healing.”

“The National Eating Disorders Association is grateful to Sen. Dodd for this resolution recognizing Eating Disorders Awareness Week,” said Doreen S. Marshall, chief executive officer of the National Eating Disorders Association. “Let us all take steps this week to learn more about eating disorders as complex mental health illnesses that affect people of all races, genders, ages and body types. By elevating the national dialogue about eating disorders, we can help to ensure that those impacted by eating disorders are met with compassion, resources and support.”

Please visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.