FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Mike Judson
(801) 431-7350 or mjudson@tsggroup.com

February 12, 1999, Orem, Utah-Foundation For Change, a non-profit charitable foundation devoted to eating disorder awareness and education, and Center for Change, an inpatient treatment facility for women with eating disorders, have together been named as Intermountain Regional Coordinators for the nationwide Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 20-28, 1999). The annual event will be observed in a major way with activities planned in communities across Utah.

As coordinators, the two organizations are joining with volunteers from the major college and university campuses throughout the state to focus attention on the growing problem of eating disorders among young women.

"Men and women of all ages are susceptible to eating disorders, but women between the ages of 18 - 30 are particularly prone to anorexia, bulimia and other types of eating disordered behavior," said Randy K. Hardman, Ph.D., vice president of the Foundation for Change. "Our plan is to focus our communications and educational activities in the areas with the highest concentration of challenges, meaning the campuses of our colleges and universities."

Activities planned by the two organizations will focus on delivering the message of the national campaign theme, which is "How to Help a Friend."

Included among the major activities taking place are:

• Distribution of free eating disorders information from the Foundation for Change. (Call 1-888-224-8250 or visit www.edaw.org on the Internet.)
• Signing of an official proclamation by Governor Michael O. Leavitt, declaring February 20-28, 1999 Utah Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
• Confidential screenings to help individuals determine if they have an eating disorder or are at risk for developing one. Found on the Internet at www.edaw.org.
• Awareness campaigns and body image workshops and fairs on major college and university campuses and at the Provo Towne Center mall.
• Lectures, panel discussions and firesides from eating disorder experts and people recovering from eating disorders--to be held on major college and university campuses.
• A body image fashion show in the new Provo Towne Center mall, featuring "average" women as models.
• Television, radio and newspaper coverage of events and topics related to eating disorders.
• Billboards statewide.

More information about EDAW events and eating disorders can be found at www.edaw.org, or by calling 1-888-224-8250.

The Foundation for Change, based in Orem, Utah, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation, established in January 1998, that is devoted to eating disorder awareness and education. The Foundation promotes involvement by individuals and organizations in researching and communicating the cause, effect, prevention and treatment of eating disorders. The Foundation also provides financial assistance for the treatment of eating disorders and sponsors research to further understanding of the psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the healing and recovery process.

The Center for Change, based in Orem, Utah, provides hope and healing to women who suffer from a variety of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. The Center's inpatient and outpatient treatment methodologies focus on helping individuals understand the psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the healing and recovery process, enabling them to return to a fulfilling and productive life. For more information about the Center for Change, please call (801) 224-8255.