In a major effort to inform Congress about the prevalence and devastation of eating disorders among the American public, Alsana took part in the M.O.M. March in Washington, D.C. The march took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and was part of two days of activities organized by the national Eating Disorders Coalition.

The event was open to the public and included families, medical professionals, advocates, and those who have suffered from eating disorders. Registration for the march also included options for joining groups that lobbied legislators about the importance of equal treatment opportunities for individuals with eating disorders. First-time lobbyists received training about the process. Those who had loved ones who struggled with an eating disorder had an opportunity to recognize and honor them. We were also happy to have had Alsana’s Director of Regional Outreach, RaeEllen Ellis, in attendance.

Information, Education Intended To Guide Federal Policies

We were pleased to take part in such an important event.

Our goals for this event are a part of ongoing efforts and include the following:

• We hope to gain the attention of lawmakers in order to influence policy-making decisions.
• We were present to provide educational materials and to answer questions about eating disorders and the importance of quality treatment over an extended period.
• We want insurance companies to support the entire scope of treatment, which includes underlying mental health issues.
• We want to increase awareness that eating disorders go much deeper than attaining a certain weight or size goal.
• We also want to do our part to help erase the stigma and shame associated with eating disorders.

We believe that increased understanding will go a long way toward that goal. Millions of people suffer from eating disorders, sometimes in silence and in lonely despair. By supporting us in this important endeavor, you can help us make a difference.