By Rep. Rosemarie Rung, D-Merrimack

As middle and high schools are preparing for the school year by gathering supplies, finalizing their schedule, and picking up their student IDs, they will notice a small, but important change. On the back of their IDs, there is a phone number – 866-662-1235. It is the helpline for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. How did this number end up on student IDs and why is it important?

A couple of years ago, as a NH state representative, I was contacted by a 14 year old constituent, Matthew Brown. He asked me to file a bill to add an eating disorders helpline to student ID badges, I asked him what problem was this bill intended to solve? What he told me was alarming: at least 22% of children and adolescents suffer from eating disorders and very few get treatment. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, leading to tragic loss of life through suicide and failed physical health. Because treatment for eating disorders is most effective when administered early and so many youth suffer from them, it makes sense to add the helpline to an item accessible to students, their family and friends  With the support of the NH House, Senate and Governor, this bill passed into law earlier this summer.

Eating disorders is a complicated disease that robs young people of their potential; it leaves families helpless and often hopeless. But, calling this number can connect people with trained professionals who can start them on a path to recovery and a hopeful future. I don’t know how many lives with be saved by this new law, but I’m certain it will save lives.

So, Granite State students: as you embark on a new school year, know that the Eating Disorders Helpline not only represents a way to reach out for help, it also represents the power a teenager can have to bring change.