Pennsylvania HR 119: A Resolution recognizing February 24 through March 2, 2025, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 977
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 119
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY ORTITAY, VENKAT, REICHARD, FREEMAN, NEILSON, KHAN,
DALEY, CURRY, SALISBURY AND D. MILLER, MARCH 17, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MARCH 17, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 24 through March 2, 2025, as "Eating
Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The goal of "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is to
shine a spotlight on eating disorders by educating the public,
spreading a message of hope and putting lifesaving resources
into the hands of those in need; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are
potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on a
person's physical and emotional health; and
WHEREAS, Too often, signs and symptoms of eating disorders
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, 28.8 million Americans will
suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some
point in their life; and
WHEREAS, Clinically significant eating disorders affect
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people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorders, other specified feeding
or eating disorders, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder,
unspecified feeding or eating disorder, rumination disorder and
pica; and
WHEREAS, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is a collaborative
effort consisting of eating disorders organizations, volunteers,
including eating disorder professionals, health care providers,
students, educators and 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 are not lifestyle choices but
serious illnesses caused by a combination of biological,
psychological and sociocultural factors that converge and set
off an individual's predisposed genetic vulnerability and have
the second highest mortality rate for any mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected and
less than one-third of young people with an eating disorder will
receive proper treatment; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorder experts have found that prompt
intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of
recovery; and
WHEREAS, It is important for educators, medical providers,
parents and community members to be aware of the warning signs
and symptoms of eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" encourages people
to share their stories and experiences with disordered eating
and body image struggles and highlights the importance of
screenings for early detection and interventions; and
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WHEREAS, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" also dispels myths
and presents eating disorders as a public health issue that
indiscriminately affects many people; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes the vital role that
"Eating Disorders Awareness Week" serves in increasing public
and media attention regarding the seriousness of eating
disorders and the biological and environmental causes of eating
disorders, as well as increasing public knowledge on how to help
individuals who are struggling with these debilitating diseases;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
week of February 26 through March 3, 2025, as "Eating Disorders
Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania in order to educate residents
about, and increase public awareness of, eating disorders and
the availability of eating disorder support and interventions;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Governor
to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, the
health care community and the citizens of Pennsylvania to
observe "Eating Disorder Awareness Week" with appropriate
activities and programs.
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