Bill Text: NJ SCR87 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates February 25 through March 3, 2018 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-05 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SCR87 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-SCR87-Introduced.html

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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 87

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 5, 2018

 

 

Sponsored by:

Senator  SAMUEL D. THOMPSON

District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Designates February 25 through March 3, 2018 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

A Concurrent Resolution designating February 25 through March 3, 2018 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

 

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, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life; and

Whereas,  Clinically significant eating disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and

Whereas,  Eating disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide; and

Whereas,  Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices, and anorexia, in particular, has the 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,  The 2018 theme of "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is "Let's Get Real," which will focus public and private efforts on expanding the conversation around eating disorders to include the diverse perspectives of the millions of people affected by eating disorders; and

Whereas,  Eating disorders are shrouded in stigma, secrecy, and stereotypes, and the goal of the 2018 campaign for "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is to shine a light on these deadly illnesses, dispel misinformation, and connect people with the support that they need to recover; 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 disorder 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 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,  "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" will encourage people to share their stories and experiences with disordered eating and body image struggles and highlight the importance of screenings for early detection and interventions; and

Whereas,  "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" will also dispel myths and present eating disorders as a public health issue that indiscriminately affects many people, without regard for age, gender, ethnicity, size, or background; and

Whereas,  This Legislature recognizes the vital role that "National 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 in increasing public knowledge on how to help individuals who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

 

     1.  The Legislature of the State of New Jersey designates the week of February 25 through March 3, 2018 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

 

     2. The Legislature requests that the Governor issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, the health care community, and the citizens of New Jersey to observe "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" with appropriate activities and programs.

 

     3.  Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor and to the National Eating Disorders Association.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This concurrent resolution designates the week of February 25 through March 3, 2018, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey, in order to educate New Jersey residents about, and increase public awareness of, eating disorders and the availability of eating disorder support and interventions.

     The goal of the 2018 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week campaign is to shine a light on these deadly illnesses, dispel misinformation, and connect people with the support that they need to recover. 

     The Legislature also requests the Governor to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, the health care community, and the citizens of New Jersey to observe "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" with appropriate activities and programs.