Matsui Announces Legislation to Advance Eating Disorders Education and Training

Press Release

Today, CongresswomanDoris Matsui (CA-06), joined by Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), announced the bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Anna Westin Legacy Act (AWA), legislation that will formally authorize the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) to continue training health care professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals to treatment for eating disorders. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Today's announcement coincides with the anniversary of Anna Westin's passing on February 17, 2000. Anna Westin once said, "May your dreaming never end, and your voice never die." Congresswoman Matsui is grateful for the opportunity to help keep Anna's voice alive with the support of her Congressional colleagues and the Eating Disorders Coalition.

"Eating disorders take an enormous toll on a person's mental and physical health. In seeking help, sufferers need our health care system to recognize eating disorders as complex illnesses and understand that the road to recovery begins with a comprehensive treatment approach," said Congresswoman Matsui. "For the past five years, the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders has been a critical tool for better training and educating health care providers to diagnose and treat eating disorders. The expert support provided by the Center is key to breaking down systemic barriers that have historically made it difficult for sufferers to get the effective professional help they need. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Anna Westin Legacy Act, legislation that will ensure the continuation of this important work."

"At a time when mental health needs have never been greater, we need to make sure our health care workforce is primed to screen eating disorders early and ensure the best possible care for their patients," said Representative Deutch. "This bill will support providers around the country who care for those struggling with eating disorders--and the millions of Americans who too often suffer in silence. It will ensure the Center's critical work can continue and grow for years to come."

"The Anna Westin Legacy Act is an important piece of legislation that ensures healthcare professionals are properly trained to assist individuals who are dealing with eating disorders," said Representative Van Drew. "I am proud to be moving this bipartisan effort forward to continue advancing the work that has already been done to identify and treat eating disorders."

"Up to 29 million people in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, underscoring the importance of ensuring we have the resources in place to both diagnose and treat patients. As Minnesota Olympian Jessie Diggins has bravely said, we need people to know that help is available and they are not alone in this struggle," said Senator Klobuchar. "In memory of Anna Westin, a Minnesotan who tragically died of an eating disorder at the young age of 21, I was proud to successfully lead bipartisan legislation to increase education and training on eating disorders through the creation of the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. Now, I've joined with a bipartisan group of my colleagues once again to support the Center and help countless families affected by eating disorders receive the care and services they need."

"Our Anna was an amazing young woman with hopes and dreams and a future filled with possibilities," said Kitty Westin, Director Emeritus of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and mother of Anna Westin. "Tragically, her dreams were smashed when she died of anorexia on February 17, 2000. Anna left me with instructions, clearly spelled out in her journal, to keep her memory alive and to use her story to help others. I believe she knew that it would take an "act of Congress' to address the multitude of issues caused by eating disorders. Today, the Anna Westin Legacy Act is being introduced fulfilling Anna's dying wish. Our family is filled with gratitude to the leaders who are committed to making sure that the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders is fully funded, and the lifesaving work they do will continue. My dream is to see the day when all health care professionals are equipped to recognize the early warning signs of eating disorders giving people the chance to achieve their hopes and dreams and have a future filled with love, life, and good health."

The Anna Westin Act, passed in 2016, was the first piece of federal legislation specifically written to help individuals suffering from eating disorders.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congresswoman Matsui led the successful effort to include the Anna Westin Act in final passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. Using authorities granted in 21st CenturyCures, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) founded the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED), the nation's first and only center of excellence dedication to eating disorders.

NCEED offers critical, evidence-based training and education for health care providers in both live and on-demand formats to promote public awareness about eating disorders and eating disorder treatment. With funding for NCEED set to expire in 2022, Congresswoman Matsui is proud to lead this new authorization legislation that will broaden the impact of the landmark Anna Westin Act.