U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield Co-sponsors Anna Westin Act on Heels of Visit to Veritas Collaborative
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) has co-sponsored the Anna Westin Act after his visit to Veritas Collaborative, a specialty hospital system for the treatment of eating disorders. Congressman Butterfield met with key members of the Veritas Collaborative staff on April 4 and toured the inpatient eating disorders hospital.
“Eating disorders are real, complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships that must be addressed at the federal level,” said Congressman Butterfield. “That is why I have cosponsored the Anna Westin Act. It is my hope that this bill, once enacted, will help ensure that men and women – as well as their families – will no longer suffer from eating disorders alone and will have the support they need to recover and succeed.”
Designed to help the estimated 14.5 million people suffering from eating disorders throughout the United States, provisions of the Anna Westin Act of 2015 (H.R. 2515) would provide additional training for physicians, health professionals, school personnel, and others meaningfully involved in the care of persons with eating disorders by using existing federal funds. Additionally, the Anna Westin Act clarifies the congressional intent of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to include residential eating disorders treatment.
The Anna Westin Act is one of several pieces of legislation that would improve access to care for those suffering from eating disorders. As a member of the Eating Disorders Coalition and Residential Eating Disorders Consortium, Veritas Collaborative is committed to driving a new standard of care in eating disorders treatment so individuals and families can thrive.
After his visit, Congressman Butterfield stated:
“I am proud of the work being done at Veritas Collaborative. Eating disorders appear across all age groups, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups in the United States. Tragically, the lack of awareness and understanding in our communities too often leaves those who struggle with eating disorders alone and without proper treatment. The work being done at Veritas Collaborative marks a step forward in improving the lives of people who are affected by eating disorders and their families.”