National Eating Disorders Association Hosts 11th Annual National Conference; Announces Inaugural 'Feeding Hope' Research Grants of $400,000

Online, October 1, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The National Eating Disorders Association's (NEDA) 11th annual national conference will be held this year in Washington, D.C., Oct. 10-12. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health.

WHAT: 11th annual NEDA conference, themed Of Monumental Importance: Directing the National Spotlight on Prevention, Treatment, Research & Policy

WHEN: Thurs., Oct. 10 - Sat., Oct. 12

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.

Kicking-off the 2013 conference - themed Of Monumental Importance: Directing the National Spotlight on Prevention, Treatment, Research & Policy - will be NEDA's Federal Eating Disorders Lobby Day to educate legislators on the importance of funding for treatment and research for eating disorders.

Programs are designed for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, with special tracks being presented for treatment; family; co-occurring conditions; diversity and special issues; educator and outreach and a NEDA-hosted track. This year will also feature special sessions dedicated to examining the challenges confronting men with eating disorders and the professionals treating them.

The Feeding Hope Fund, launched in February 2013 to raise restricted funds for making grants to qualified clinical researchers and experts, will be awarding its first grants totaling $400,000. Projects funded will either develop and test new treatments or provide training on established evidence-based treatments to fellow clinicians. This project is in direct response to seriously underfunded clinical research and training in the field of eating disorders.

Commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA, "Each year NEDA's conference is an extraordinary gathering of individuals, families and professionals alike in a supportive, nourishing environment. We are thrilled to be in the nation's capital this year as we lobby for legislation that is key to both our fight for access to treatment and our vision of a world without eating disorders. We are particularly pleased to announce our inaugural Feeding Hope Fund grant recipients. When it comes to eating disorders, this grant program is making the best use of today for tomorrow's challenges."

For a full schedule of conference speakers, panels and professional tracks, visit:
www.MyNEDA.org/conference

About the National Eating Disorders Association

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit www.MyNEDA.org

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For Treatment Referrals, Visit www.MyNEDA.org
Or Contact NEDA's Live Helpline: 800-931-2237
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (EST)
Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:

Greenleaf & Associates - 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf - [email protected]
Kelly Williams - [email protected]

Available for Interviews:

• Lynn Grefe, president & CEO of NEDA
• Doctors, psychologists & other treatment/research specialists & experts from around the country
• Recovered eating disorder patients