EDC Celebrates 25th Anniversary Advocating for Federal Funding to Support Eating Disorders Research, Prevention, and Provider Education

WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2025)- Yesterday, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action (EDC) hosted its annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. welcoming 140 advocates across 27 states and the District of Columbia. The day kicked off with energizing opening remarks from EDC Congressional Champion Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and wrapped up the afternoon with closing remarks from EDC Congressional Champion Senator Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) health staff. Advocates took part in 100 congressional meetings requesting their elected officials support the EDC’s Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations requests. Led by EDC Congressional Champions, Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), EDC advocated for two requests within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• $5 million for the Eating Disorders Center of Excellence within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to continue training clinicians in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Eating Disorders (SBIRT-ED) model and develop and implement a public service announcement to raise awareness about eating disorders.
• $750,000 for research grants within the Office on Women’s Health to focus on early detection of eating disorders in women and girls.

“Senator Klobuchar has been a long-time champion for people with eating disorders and their families,” said Jillian Lampert, PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs at Accanto Health, EDC Board Member, and Minnesota constituent. “We appreciate her steadfast support and determined action that has made a difference in access to care. Recovery from an eating disorder is more possible in Minnesota and across the nation thanks to her efforts.” “I want to thank the Alaska Representative and Senators, particularly Senator Lisa Murkowski, for their understanding and advocacy regrading care discrepancies in our state and nation,” said Mina Hancock, EDC Young Leader Council Member and Alaska constituent. “It has been an amazing experience to be on Capitol Hill with such a powerful group of people. I truly cannot thank the EDC enough for the effort they put in to support those without a voice across the nation.”

“It was so inspiring to see so many folks from across the country come to DC to passionately advocate on behalf of the eating disorders community,” said Christine Peat, PhD, FAED, LD,EDC Board President. “It is with one united voice that we speak and in doing so we demonstrate to Congress that we are united in our demand that the federal government not leave eating disorders behind. We need these appropriations now more than even, and the EDC is privileged to do this work alongside such passionate advocates.”

The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action is a federal advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. The EDC advances the recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority throughout the United States.

Media Contact:
Emily Rosenberg, er********@**********************on.org