Reps. Sweeney, Click Provide Sponsor Testimony on Bipartisan Bill to Establish Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) and Gary Click (R-Vickery) this week offered sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Health Committee in support of House Bill (HB) 363, bipartisan legislation to designate the last week of February as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Ohio. Similar legislation previously passed the Ohio House with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2022 by a vote of 93-1.

“This bipartisan legislation will help shine a light on the harsh realities of eating disorders and provide hope, support, and visibility to the many individuals and families affected by them every day in all parts of this state,” said Rep. Sweeney. “While there is a clear need for further action to expand treatment access and coverage, raising awareness will be a critical first step.”

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a nationally recognized campaign supported by leading mental health institutions, including the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to raise awareness and connect individuals and families affected by eating disorders with critical resources, support, and care. The legislation would bring Ohio into alignment with the existing federal designation and several other states.

“Teens face increasing challenges every year and we cannot sit idly by allowing them to fend for themselves. This is why Rep. Sweeney and I have reached across the aisle to draw focus and attention to our hurting youth,” said Rep. Click. “Increased awareness on critical topics like this will help bring solutions one step closer to hurting families in crisis.”

Approximately 9% of the U.S. population will experience a clinically significant eating disorder in their lifetime, including over 1M Ohioans. Despite their prevalence, eating disorders are often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. They also carry the second highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, second only to opioid addiction, underscoring the urgent need for greater public awareness and access to treatment.

Research indicates that eating disorder-related health visits among individuals under age 17 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022. Experts also point to the role of social media and digital platforms in contributing to body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors among youth.

HB 363 now awaits proponent testimony in the House Health Committee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Sweeney providing sponsor testimony is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.