The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the nation’s leading nonprofit for eating disorders, is organizing its annual Columbia NEDA Walk February 25 at University of South Carolina Russell House, Columbia.
NEDA Walks spread awareness about the realities of eating disorders and build supportive, local communities of hope, strength, and recovery.
A common misconception is eating disorders affect a specific type of person: the media portrayals are not always accurate. In the United States eating disorders already affect 28 million people. Those aged 12 through 25 make up 95 percent of cases. Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. These disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, surpassed only by opioid use disorder. Money raised from this NEDA Walk will help fund programs and resources that are focused on prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
“NEDA’s website has more than 250,000 visitors every month, that’s more than 3,000,000 per year,” said Sarah Chase, VP of Communication. “And, what’s important about those numbers is that 81 percent of the people who visit our site on a daily basis are new information seekers. Our chatbot and helpline have seen significant uptake this year and we continue to offer vital screening tools, for people who think they may have an eating disorder and want more information.”
“The reality is that eating disorders affect people regardless of age, race, and gender,” said Chase. “Our NEDA Walks are a beautiful reflection of this diverse and hopeful community, and we are incredibly thankful for our energized, engaged, and transformative volunteers who make these events possible. In 2023 we’ll be in more than 50 communities across the United States, brining hope, and building strength through these programs and initiatives ensuring that everyone has access to the support they deserve. Our strength comes from the experience and knowledge of our volunteers. Please join us as we come one step closer to a world without eating disorders.”
Learn how you can join tens of thousands of walkers, participating in-person or virtually, across the country to make a difference in the fight against eating disorders.
For more information, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
For more information about NEDA Walks, visit www.nedawalk.org or contact the National Walks Team at [email protected].