R 055

2018 -- S 2312 Enacted 02/07/2018

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 26 THROUGH MARCH 4, 2018, AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators McCaffrey, Lombardi, Satchell, Lombardo, and Conley

Date Introduced: February 07, 2018

WHEREAS, The week of February 26th through March 4th, 2018, marks the observance

of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, The 2018 Theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "Let's

Get Real," and will focus on expanding the conversation around eating disorders to include the

diverse perspectives of the millions of people affected. Eating disorders are shrouded in stigma,

secrecy, and stereotypes, and the goal of this year's campaign is to shine a light on these deadly

illnesses, dispel misinformation, and connect people with the support they need to recover; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening

and have a great impact on both a person's physical and emotional health. Too often, signs and

symptoms are overlooked, and many individuals, families, and communities are unaware of the

devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, as well as the pressures,

attitudes, and behaviors which shape them; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from

clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life. These disorders affect people

across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders;

and

WHEREAS, The National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many

misconceptions regarding eating disorders, and to highlight the availability of resources for

treatment and support; and

WHEREAS, 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;

and

WHEREAS, Eating Disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with

substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. They are

serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices; in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any

mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected. Less than one-third of youth

with eating disorders will receive treatment; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment

significantly improves the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is important for educators, medical

providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and the symptoms

of eating disorders; and

WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will encourage people to share

their stories and experiences with disordered eating and body image struggles. It also provides an

opportunity to highlight the importance of screenings for the early detection and intervention of

eating disorders, and bust myths and present eating disorders as a public health issue that affects

all kinds of people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, size, or background; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims the week of February 26 through March 4, 2018, as "Eating Disorders

Awareness Week" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders

Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders

and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as

how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Gina Raimondo, Governor of the

State of Rhode Island, The National Eating Disorders Association, Brown University's Project

HEAL, and the Eating Disorder Program at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

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