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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
06/17/2024 10:24 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20230&chamber=H&cosponId=39083
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 3, 2023 04:11 PM
From: Representative Jason Ortitay
To: All House members
Subject: Addressing Eating Disorders in School
 
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to create an Eating Disorders Taskforce within the PA Department of Education. It will also require schools to provide parent educational information regarding eating disorders to parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 through email, mail, or posting on their school district website. This will include a list of warning signs, risk factors, resources, and other information about eating disorders.  
 
The rise of social media usage can have many different effects on body image and the later development of eating disorders in many individuals. Research clearly shows that social media exposure contributes to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.  
 
Here are some facts on eating disorders in the Commonwealth from a Harvard and Deloitte report: 
  • 1,127,383 people in PA (9% of the PA population) will have an Eating Disorder in their lifetime 
  • $2.5 billion is the yearly economic cost of Eating Disorders in PA and $12.8 billion is the additional loss of well-being per year 
  • Loss per group 
    • $919.9 million - individuals and families (caregivers provide 6 weeks of informal, unpaid care per year)
    • $692.9 million - government 
    • $638.1 million - employers 
    • 277.9 million – society 
  • Costs to Hospital System 
    • 2110 ER visits costing $1.1 million 
    • 922 inpatient hospitalizations costing $8.2 million 
Data are estimates based on U.S. Census Bureau population statistics (2018).

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.
 


Introduced as HB148