Bill Text: CA SCR83 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 62-19-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-17 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 13, Statutes of 2020. [SCR83 Detail]
Download: California-2019-SCR83-Chaptered.html
Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 83
CHAPTER 13
Relative to Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
March 17, 2020.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 83, Dodd.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
This measure would designate the week of February 24, 2020, to March 1, 2020, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, The 2020 theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20,” and will focus on inclusivity in the greater eating disorders community and unifying the field of eating disorders. Eating disorders are shrouded in stigma, secrecy, and stereotypes, and the goal of this year’s campaign is to reflect on the positive steps the greater eating disorders community has taken — including those stemming from setbacks or challenges — toward accepting themselves and others; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on both a person’s physical and emotional health. Too often, signs and symptoms 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 that shape them; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life. These disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, The National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders, and to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorders professionals, health care providers, students, educators, 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 usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices. In fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected, and less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and the symptoms of eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will encourage people to share their stories and experiences with eating disorders and body image struggles, highlight the importance of screenings for the early detection and intervention of eating disorders, and refute myths and present eating disorders as a public health issue that affects all kinds of people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, size, or background; and
WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims the week of February 24, 2020, to March 1, 2020, inclusive, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of California; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
