[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS

  (Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
  This annual campaign sheds light on a disease that affects nearly 30 
million Americans and has the highest mortality rate of any mental 
illness. While recovery is certainly possible, early detection and 
intervention is key. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with the 
signs typically associated with an eating disorder.
  This is why I introduced a bipartisan bill with several of my female 
colleagues, H.R. 4153, the Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act. 
It would create a pilot program in middle schools to begin educating 
school counselors, teachers, and nurses about the symptoms of eating 
disorders.
  The facts are clear: education and early detection save lives. This 
legislation, H.R. 4153, would allow for us to provide both. We have a 
responsibility to improve the public's understanding of eating 
disorders so that we can prevent this mental illness.

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