Over the weekend, the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) received a formal response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the Dear Colleague letter regarding BMI screening and surveillance in schools. As quoted by the EDC, “the response is AWESOME!!!” Please see the full article and penned response here.

The CDC listened to the EDC’s call to utilize evidence-based practices to address the childhood obesity epidemic. And, although the CDC states they do not support the use of BMI testing in the prevention of childhood obesity, they realize this testing does occur in some schools and have agreed to provide risk and safeguard information to ensure the wellbeing and protect the privacy and confidentiality of students. Additionally, the CDC continues to stress the need for additional research in this area.

At Oliver-Pyatt Centers, we take advocacy work very seriously and know that you, our readers, also appreciate the magnitude of using your voice to pioneer these much needed changes in government and administration. “The results of our collective advocacy made a huge difference! Together, as a coalition, we did what EDC advocates have been doing so well together since 2000: We noticed a problem; we educated people about the problem; we shared personal stories to highlight the problem; we advocated for change using our power in numbers at EDC National Lobby Day/Virtual Lobby Day; and we respectfully dialogued with the appropriate people to seek out results that are viable and sustainable.” (Eating Disorders Coalition)

We want to join the EDC in thanking each and every one of you who continue to work toward educating others about eating disorder treatment and recovery, providing this much needed care, and advocating for and with those who are striving toward recovery.

For more information about Oliver-Pyatt Centers please call 866.511.HEAL (4325), visit our website, subscribe to our blog, and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.