New York State Victory for Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention

NEW YORK - Sept. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- On Sept. 23, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed S2530/A5294 into law, legislation that amends the public health law to establish an Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Program within the New York State Department of Health.

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life – including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) – and it is estimated that more than 650,000* of them are in New York state.

This is a major victory for the early intervention and prevention of eating disorders in New York, as this program will promote available resources and services to those who are suffering from eating disorders. It will also help increase awareness about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, which could ultimately save lives. Early detection is key to recovery from an eating disorder and having this information readily available can make a world of a difference for families and individuals struggling with these devastating illnesses.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) thanks Governor Cuomo for his support, along with bill sponsors Senator Kemp Hannon and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, for their leadership and commitment to standing up for families and individuals affected by eating disorders.

Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA applauded the governor and the legislature for their partnership in moving this forward. “We are so grateful that Governor Cuomo has signed this legislation into law. There is no question that it will help us fight eating disorders in New York state. It is our hope that this is just the beginning for improved action to address these potentially life-threatening illnesses.”

“The National Eating Disorder Association is a tremendous advocate for those suffering from eating disorders and we are fortunate that they call New York home,” said Senator Kemp Hannon, chair of the New York State Senate’s Standing Committee on Health. “I have had the pleasure of working with Lynn Grefe, NEDA’s president and CEO, for many years on eating disorder issues in New York state. This important legislation is among the efforts we have partnered on and its enactment is a testament to NEDA’s hard work and advocacy.”

Added Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, “The statistics on eating disorders are alarming and signal a public health crisis.  This new program will help spread awareness and will allow people suffering from eating disorders to get the help they need to get better.  I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill into law.”

NEDA also sends a special thanks to all the dedicated advocates across the state who called and wrote to their legislators requesting their support of this legislation! We could not have done this without your efforts!

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders.

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For Treatment Referrals, Contact NEDA’s Live Helpline:  800-931-2237
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (EST)

Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:

Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800

Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com

Kelly Williams — kelly@greenleafandassociates.com

* Eating Disorder Population by State References:

Hudson Jl, Hiripi E, Pope HG Jr, Kessler RC.  The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb1;61(3):348-58. Epub 2006 Jul 3.

Sonja A. Swanson, ScM; Scott J. Crow, MD: Daniel Le Grange, PhD; Joel Swendsen, PhD; Kathleen R. Merikangas, PhD.

Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in Adolescents.

Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Arch Gen Psychatry.

Published online March 7, 2011. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.22