Legislature Declares Eating Disorder Awareness Week
SACRAMENTO – The state Senate passed a resolution by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa), proclaiming the week of February 26 to March 4, 2018, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week. In the United States, 30 million individuals suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life.
“I’ve seen firsthand how painful and difficult these disorders can be,” said Senator Dodd. “I’ve had a loved one who suffered from an eating disorder. I’ve also seen that recovery is possible. And I can attest to the importance of awareness, understanding and a strong support network for those on the journey towards recovery.”
The resolution was sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association, Cielo House, and State Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma. The resolution passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and is coauthored by nearly one dozen Senators and Assemblymembers.
“The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders and put life-saving resources into the hands of those in need,” stated Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association. “It is estimated that over 1.6 million California residents are currently struggling with an eating disorder, which are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses. We are grateful to California Senators Dodd and Wiener for their support in bringing attention to this campaign.”
“Having a healthy body image can be challenging with the images assumed to be ‘normal’ or ‘ideal’ in the media and entertainment industry,” said Fiona Ma, who serves on the Board of Equalization. “During Eating Disorders Awareness Week, start the conversation with the individuals in your life about living a healthy lifestyle. Since this is a disease that often hides in plain sight, it’s important to learn the warning signs and know where to go to get help. We need to teach our kids how to have a positive relationship with food, exercise, and their body image.”
“Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are misunderstood, stigmatized, and undertreated, and impact both women and men, and people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who jointly authored the resolution. “Especially as we see increasing rates of eating disorders among our young people, now is the time for the government to step up and take a more proactive role in prevention and treatment of this critical public health issue.”
"Awareness is the first step towards recovery,” said Sofia E. Keck, Co-Founder of Cielo House. “As a leader in Eating Disorder treatment, Cielo House is honored to co-sponsor this resolution to continue our mission of healing together."
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has resources available on its website for those wishing to learn more, get support or help raise awareness.
###
Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa Counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.