National Eating Disorders Association Launches Feeding Hope Fund

Online, February 27, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) observes its 26th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 24 - March 2) with events planned across the country. To mark this event, NEDA announces the launch of the Feeding Hope Fund for clinical research and training.

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eating disorders are bio-psycho-social illnesses with potentially life-threatening consequences. Despite the severity and prevalence, research funding in this field is severely lacking.

The Feeding Hope Fund - with a goal of $500,000 in 2013 - will raise restricted funds for awarding grants to qualified clinical researchers and experts. 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.

Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA, stated "When it comes to eating disorders, the Feeding Hope Fund is making the best use of today for tomorrow's challenges."

Added NEDA board member Walter Kaye, M.D., "Research is making new discoveries about the causes of eating disorders and improvements in treatment efficacy and delivery. But turning this into every-day treatments has been slow, partly due to a lack of funds. Now, this initiative by NEDA holds the promise of providing the funds needed to improve treatments for these deadly disorders."

Thomas Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health commented, "Because they have the highest mortality rates of all mental disorders, further research to better understand eating disorders is critical. Research is our best hope for effective prevention and even better treatments in the future."

Patrick J. Kennedy, former congressman concluded, "I have always felt that eating disorders suffer the most persistent discrimination with the mental health community in both insurance coverage and in research funding. I commend NEDA for raising awareness to these issues and for setting the stage for progress."

More than 90 percent of donations - which are tax deductible - will go directly to research and training opportunities. The selection process will emphasize innovation and clinical impact. Recipients will be awarded one- to two- year grants of up to $100,000 annually.

Although serious and potentially life-threatening, with the ability to gain insight into the cause behind the disease will lead to improved prevention and treatment options and ultimately a potential cure. There is hope for a world without eating disorders and you can help! All levels of giving will receive exclusive invitations to updates and events, an annual report on updates and recipients, listing on the website and a commemorative pin.

To help support the Feeding Hope Fund or to apply for a research grant, visit www.myneda.org/feedinghopefund or contact Terry Marks at [email protected] or 212-575-6200 ext. #307.

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

# # #

For Treatment Referrals, Visit www.MyNEDA.org
Or Contact NEDA's Live Helpline: 800-931-2237
Monday - 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 and CEO of NEDA.
• Walter Kaye, MD, NEDA board member, co-chair of the Research Advisory Council and renowned eating disorders researcher.
• Evelyn Attia, MD, NEDA board member and renowned eating disorders researcher.
• Doctors, psychologists & other eating disorder treatment specialists throughout the country.
• Recovered eating disorder patients.