PRINTER'S NO. 1372
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
238
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY SANTARSIERO, KEARNEY, CULVER, TARTAGLIONE, HUGHES,
FONTANA, HAYWOOD, SCHWANK, PHILLIPS-HILL, KANE, CAPPELLETTI,
BOSCOLA, STREET AND COSTA, FEBRUARY 12, 2024
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, FEBRUARY 12, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of February 26 through March 3, 2024, as
"Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The goal of "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is to
shine a spotlight on eating disorders by educating the public,
spreading a message of hope and putting lifesaving resources
into the hands of those in need; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are
potentially life threatening and have a great impact on an
individual'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
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WHEREAS, Clinically significant eating disorders affect
people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is a collaborative
effort consisting of eating disorder organizations, eating
disorder professionals, health care providers, educators,
students, social workers, volunteers 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 are serious illnesses, not
lifestyle choices, and have the second 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, 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, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" encourages 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, "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" also dispels myths
and presents eating disorders as a public health issue that
indiscriminately affects many people, without regard for age,
gender, ethnicity, size or background; and
WHEREAS, The Senate recognizes the vital role that "Eating
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Disorders Awareness Week" serves in increasing public and media
attention regarding the seriousness of eating disorders, the
biological and environmental causes of eating disorders and how
to help individuals who are struggling with these debilitating
diseases; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of February 26
through March 3, 2024, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania.
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