Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore on behalf of all Senators & Rep. Matthews on behalf of all Representatives

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 75

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH" IN DELAWARE

WHEREAS, eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, up to 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating; and

WHEREAS, total economic costs associated with eating disorders were estimated to be $64.7 billion in the fiscal year 2018-2019; and

WHEREAS, a projected 26,000 females and 11,000 males in Delaware may suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed with eating disorders; and

WHEREAS, an eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis, causing a substantial reduction in well-being, that disrupts personal and family functioning; and

WHEREAS, eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, including an increased risk for suicide; and

WHEREAS, education and awareness are critical to promoting early detection, effective treatment, and assistance to those seeking help; and

WHEREAS, with early detection and intervention, full recovery from an eating disorder is possible; and

WHEREAS, there are no eating disorder-specific organizations, facilities, programs, or residential treatment options in the State of Delaware to provide assistance.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the month of March is designated as “Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Month” in Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health and Social Services is encouraged to research methods to raise awareness of, prevent, and treat eating disorders.