National Eating Disorders Association Applauds Virginia Governor for Enactment of Eating Disorder Education & Early Intervention Law

NEW YORK, NY, March 29, 2013 (Press-News.org) On March 25, Governor Bob McDonnell signed HB 1406, requiring all public schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia to annually provide parents of students in grades five-12 with educational information on eating disorders. Effective July 1, 2013, Virginia will be the first state to require distribution of this vital information to parents of children in this highly susceptible age range.

Commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), "NEDA's Advocacy Program and our families led the way for this victory. It is a win-win for the field of eating disorders and the families in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is our hope that other states will follow this forward-thinking effort and that the legislation will serve as a model for the rest of the country. "

Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and impact every organ system in the body. Early detection is key in preventing these potentially life-threatening illnesses and reducing mortality.

Patroned by Delegate Richard P. "Dickie" Bell (R - Staunton), HB 1406 never received a dissenting vote in the General Assembly. Initially passed 8-0 in the House Education Committee's Students and Early Education subcommittee, a slightly amended version of the bill again passed unanimously out of subcommittee and went on to a 21-0 vote in the full House Education Committee. The Virginia House of Delegates approved HB 1406 99-0 on January 31. Referred directly by the full committee in the Senate, the Senate Education & Health Committee approved HB 1406 15-0. On February 11, the Senate of Virginia approved HB 1406 on a unanimous 40-0 vote.

HB 1406 also requires the Virginia Departments of Education and Health to jointly develop guidelines and implement policies for providing parent education information on eating disorders. The bill, now signed into law, also requires the Departments to consult the National Eating Disorders Association, as well as medical and education specialists, about the contents of delivery of the required information. Finally, HB 1406 also requires the Departments to jointly develop guidelines for a voluntary eating disorder screening program. Those school boards that wish to implement an eating disorder screening program for their students will now be empowered with the tools necessary to do so. Pursuant to HB 1406, the Departments of Education and Health must provide their guidelines to the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction for dissemination by no later than July 1, 2013. This ambitious deadline assures that Virginia's public school students, and their parents, will be educated about eating disorders during the upcoming 2013 - 2014 school year.

The National Eating Disorders Association applauds the proactive approach the state of Virginia is taking, and commends their recognition of the seriousness of these illnesses.

For more information on HB 1406, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgibin/legp504.exe?ses=131&typ=bil&val=hb1406

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. For more information, visit http://www.MyNEDA.org

For Treatment Referrals, Visit http://www.MyNEDA.org
Or Contact NEDA's Live Helpline: 800-931-2237
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:

Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
Kelly Williams — kelly@greenleafandassociates.com