The National Eating Disorder Association and Staff from Timberline Knolls Launch "States for Treatment, Access and Research" Kick-Off Efforts in Illinois
Contact: Danielle Bickelmann, Timberline Knolls, 214-521-8596
CHICAGO, Dec. 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- The National Association of Eating Disorders (NEDA) and volunteers from Chicago-based Timberline Knolls have teamed up to launch NEDA's STAR (States for Treatment, Access and Research) Program in the state of Illinois. The program, the first of its kind in the state, is designed to fight for improved access and treatment for eating disorders by working with state legislators, mobilizing the community and developing a grass-roots effort to increase the awareness of eating disorders.
Eating disorders among young women are increasing at an alarming rate in Illinois, according to Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA. "Nationally, the incidence of bulimia in women ages 10 to 39 has tripled between 1988 and 1993, and continues to grow," said Grefe. "For young women with anorexia, the mortality rate is 12 times higher than the death rate for all other diseases, including cancer."
According to NEDA STAR Illinois coordinator Colleen Kula, this initiative will help promote early intervention and prevention programs for eating disorders in the state of Illinois. "With NEDA's help, we hope to capitalize on the recent passage of Public Act 95-0973, which adds anorexia and bulimia to the Illinois Mental Health Parity Act. The state legislature obviously recognizes the need for making treatment for eating disorders accessible," said Kula. "But prevention and early intervention programs are virtually non-existent. It's critical we establish this component of education and treatment to compliment the recent legislature making treatment available."
The Illinois STAR Program's immediate priorities include:
• Developing a 2009 legislative agenda demanding a greater response from state elected officials
• Increasing awareness of Illinois' mental health parity law
• Increasing awareness of eating disorders and available treatment
• Working with mental health professionals, families and education systems on how to identify, assess and refer eating disorders
• Working with state legislators to establish mandated intervention and prevention programs
By developing a local and state-wide grass roots initiative, the collective voices of individuals, family members and loved ones can help share a message of hope and acceptance with the community, according to Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls.
"The NEDA STAR Program will develop programs and procedures to help those suffering silently with eating disorders take a positive step towards recovery," said Dr. Dennis. "It will also provide families, friends and educators with the ability to recognize how they can support those who may be suffering."
According to NEDA, there are as many as 10 million females and 1 million males in the United States fighting a life and death battle with anorexia or bulimia and another 25 million with binge-eating disorder. Over the years these numbers have continued to rise, along with the stigma and lack of awareness of eating disorders.
For more information or to join NEDA STAR's efforts, contact Colleen Kula at 312-613-5715 or email at ckula@timberlineknolls.com.
About NEDA STAR Program
NEDA established the STAR (States for Treatment, Access and Research) Program to fight for improved access to the treatment of eating disorders by speaking with state legislators, mobilizing members, and forging alliances with other groups who share our vision.
About Timberline Knolls
Located just outside of Chicago on 43 beautiful acres, Timberline Knolls offers a spiritually nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older who are struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Timberline Knolls helps women and adolescent girls work to achieve lifelong healing by strengthening them spiritually, emotionally and socially. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit www.timberlineknolls.com.
