HR0042enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0042 Enrolled LRB096 08232 KXB 18339 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION 42

WHEREAS, Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, eating disorders not otherwise specified, and binge eating disorders are serious emotional disorders that can lead to advanced physical illness and death if left untreated; and

WHEREAS, Anorexia nervosa is a particularly deadly disease, and has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder; and

WHEREAS, Clinical studies have revealed that eating disorders among Illinois youth are increasing at an alarming rate, with more than ten percent of adolescent girls and three percent of boys binge eating or purging at least once a week; and

WHEREAS, In the absence of treatment, twenty percent of all those afflicted with advanced eating disorders will die as a direct result; and

WHEREAS, Early detection, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment greatly increases the likelihood of a successful recovery; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are multifaceted and complex conditions, typically requiring a comprehensive balance of medical and mental health treatment; and

WHEREAS, Substance abuse often accompanies eating disorders, with alcoholism a contributing factor in more than half of the cases involving female patients under age 30; and

WHEREAS, The chronic and repetitive pattern that characterizes eating disorders necessitates more than one course of treatment; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive treatment by professionals in a clinical setting is proven to save lives and assist patients in returning to emotional and physical health; and

WHEREAS, The nature of this complex disease is such that persistent treatment after physical symptoms subside is often indicated, and patients remain susceptible to relapse if treatment is terminated prematurely; and

WHEREAS, Greater availability of treatment programs and comprehensive coverage of complete treatment protocols are needed today to save the lives of a growing number of adolescents and adults who are silently struggling with this potentially fatal disease; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Eating Disorders Coalition, the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the Illinois Psychological Association, the Mental Health Summit, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, and the National Eating Disorder Association joined together to support the inclusion of anorexia nervosa and bulimia on the list of serious mental illnesses that qualify for coverage under applicable health insurance plans, as enacted by the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly in Public Act 95-973; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we hereby recognize February 25, 2009 as the inaugural Eating Disorders Awareness Day in the State of Illinois, and we invite all Illinoisans to join in observance of this day through appropriate programs and activities directed toward the prevention and recovery of eating disorders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support the National Eating Disorder Association's "States for Treatment Access and Research" Program in its goal of advancing public support for programs to increase the availability of care for individuals with eating disorders; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to The Illinois Eating Disorders Coalition, the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the Illinois Psychological Association, the Mental Health Summit, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, and the National Eating Disorder Association in recognition of their outstanding and cooperative work on this important public health issue.