Kentucky Eating Disorder Council
Overview
In 2020, KRS 210.051 established the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council (KEDC) within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. See KEDC legislation KRS 210.051 in under Related Links.
Goals of the Council
- Oversee the development and implementation of eating disorder awareness, education and prevention programs.
- Identify strategies for improving access to adequate diagnosis and treatment services.
- Assist the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in identifying eating disorder research projects.
- Work with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and other appropriate entities to routinely examine existing surveillance systems, data collection systems, and administrative databases to determine the best strategies for implementing evidence-based eating disorder measures that provide data for program and policy planning purposes.
- As reasonably as possible, collaborate and coordinate on data research projects with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and other appropriate entities.
- Make recommendations regarding legislative and regulatory changes as appropriate.
Membership
Members of the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council are appointed by the Governor’s Office and comprised of leaders of state government agencies, representatives of professional associations, individuals who have lived experience with an eating disorder, and researchers. Council meetings are open to the public, but meeting participation is limited to Council members. Standing committees are open to the public and have no restrictions on participation.
Meetings
Council meetings are open to the public, but meeting participation is limited to Council members. Standing committees are open to the public and have no restrictions on participation. Council meetings are held in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual options, and are scheduled for the third Tuesday of odd-numbered months, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
Resources
For Individuals/Parents/Caregivers
- Confident Body, Confident Child is an Australian evidence-based prevention program for parents of 2 – 6-year-olds that helps prevent eating disorders by providing resources and strategies to promote positive body image, healthy eating, and physical activity.
- The Dinner Table Project Eating dinner together, especially without electronics as a distraction, is one way adults can engage young people to support mental health, prevent substance use and eating disorders, and promote resilience in their everyday lives.
- Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment (FEAST) is an international non-profit organization for parents and caregivers of loved ones affected by eating disorders.
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) free peer support services to anyone an eating disorder, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
For Professionals
- Academy for Eating Disorders helps physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, academic researchers, students, and experts, through lived experience, connect and collaborate with one another.
- International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) Interested in learning more or obtaining your Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS)
- Project Heal Insurance Resource Hub is an interactive tool to assist professionals and caregivers in finding providers who take a particular insurance by state
For Everyone
- Project Heal Directory of free support groups by type
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) works to advance research, community building, and awareness to support those who may be affected by an eating disorder.
- National Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEEDS) mission is to advance the education and training of healthcare providers and to promote public awareness of eating disorders and eating disorder treatment. NCEEDs holds resources for Parents/Caregivers/Individuals, Professionals, and Students.
