[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E273-E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Eating 
Disorder Awareness Week. The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the education on eating disorders 
and the treatment of women since 1985. Its clinical excellence and 
supportive environment has empowered women to change their lives.
   More than 8 million people in the United States suffer from eating 
disorders. Nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an 
eating disorder. Unfortunately only one in 10 people with an eating 
disorder receive treatment for their disease.
   The theme of this year's National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is 
``I Had No Idea.'' Since symptoms can be different for everyone, it's 
not always easy for friends and families to tell when a loved one is 
suffering from bulimia or anorexia. For someone suffering from one of 
these diseases, it can take over their life.
   The Renfrew Center is the nation's first residential eating disorder 
facility. Renfrew has helped more than 65,000 women with eating 
disorders and other behavioral health issues in their 13 locations 
around the country. Renfrew offers help to women suffering from 
bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, and related health problems. 
Renfrew empowers women with the tools they need to succeed in their 
recovery and in their lives.
   The stigma that comes with suffering eating disorders can often lead 
to other illnesses

[[Page E274]]

both physical and mental, and sufferers need and deserve the strong 
support of their family, friends, colleagues and health professionals. 
This is where Renfrew excels, and I am grateful for the staff and 
supporters of The Renfrew Center for their dedication to this important 
effort.
   Mr. Speaker, I thank the Renfrew Center and all health professionals 
across the country for their dedication to treating those suffering 
from eating disorders. In recognition of National Eating Disorder 
Awareness Week, it remains important today and every day to educate 
those in our lives about eating disorders and provide them support and 
hope for a better path.

                          ____________________