State Sens. Steve Santarsiero and Pat Browne are co-prime sponsors of a resolution to recognize Feb. 24 through March 1, 2020 as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
“Eating disorders exist across the broad spectrum of age, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomics, and are marred by misunderstandings and misconceptions,” Santarsiero said. “This issue affects over 30 million Americans and has escaped our attention for far too long. It is my hope that this resolution brings that much-needed attention to the devastating reality and prevalence of eating disorders.”
In 2019, Santarsiero introduced Senate Bill 324, which would require schools to annually provide educational information on eating disorders to parents with children in fifth through 12th grades.
To announce this legislation, Santarsiero hosted a news conference in the Capitol with state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, former Penn State kicker Joey Julius and guests from the National Eating Disorders Association.
“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. It is estimated that over 500,000 Pennsylvania residents are currently struggling with an eating disorder, which are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses,” said Chevese Turner, chief policy and strategy officer for NEDA. “NEDA is grateful to Pennsylvania Sens. Browne and Santarsiero for their support in bringing attention to this important campaign.”
