Obesity Action Coalition Blog

Collin County (Dallas Metroplex area) Commissioner, Matt Shaheen, is seeking to ban coverage of bariatric surgery for county employees. Bariatric surgery is currently covered for Collin County employees, but Commissioner Shaheen is rallying, and getting other commissioners involved as well, to quit covering the procedure. Commissioners are citing the expense of the procedure, in addition to the medical complications that arise, as to reasons to end coverage of bariatric surgery. To read the article printed in Sunday’s Dallas Morning News, please click here.

One of the most important issues is that these county commissioners have not heard from those who are affected by obesity or who have had bariatric surgery. This is YOUR issue. We need you to raise your voice and get involved to ensure that Collin County employees are not denied access to treatment of their obesity.

The OAC is asking you to write to the Collin County commissioners and share with them how obesity has impacted you and how those affected need access to medical interventions, which include bariatric surgery. Even if you do not live in Collin County, we need you to respond to this important issue so that this does not become precedent for other Texas counties. There is truly power in numbers!

Respond Today!
The OAC has prepared a special guide to help you write to these commissioners. In this guide, you will find a sample letter in addition to each county commissioner’s contact information. We encourage you to take just a few moments and let these elected officials know that we will not stand for this and that there are individuals out there who need this intervention. Commissioner Shaheen’s view of surgical interventions is incorrect, as current studies show the improved safety of the procedure and its effectiveness, in addition to the costs saved by both individuals and insurers.

To view the guide and start writing your letter, please click here.

The OAC has also issued its own letter to the Collin County commissioners. It is available in the OAC’s guide on the issue.

Did you know that in most parts of the country, it is perfectly legal to discriminate against someone when it comes to housing, employment, education or public accommodation based upon their weight? The fact that such discrimination is legal surprises many, but we are pleased to see that more and more often, cities and counties are adopting ordinances or laws prohibiting such discrimination.

Just in mid-December, the City Council of Binghamton, New York, passed the Binghamton Human Rights Law, which among other things, makes it illegal to discriminate in employment, housing, education and public accommodations on the basis of height or weight. The OAC would like to take this opportunity to applaud the Binghamton City Council for their efforts to eliminate weight discrimination.

Click here to visit the Binghamton City Council:

Is obesity discrimination legal in your city, town or state?  If so, you may wish to encourage your elected officials to adopt an ordinance making such discrimination illegal.

For more information on obesity discrimination and weight stigma, please click here. To identify your elected officials, please click here.

With State Legislatures going to work across the country, click here to find your state legislatures regular session dates, the OAC is urging all of our members, friends and supporters to reach out to their elected officials and start advocating today. It is important that our elected officials continue to hear from those who are personally affected by obesity as well as others concerned with the well being of those affected.

The following are some great examples of issues you can begin advocating for today:

• Legislation to prohibit discrimination based on weight or size.
• Legislation improving access to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
• Legislation seeking to improve school fitness and nutrition programs.
• Legislation seeking to improve community availability of parks and exercise facilities.

Don’t know how to get started? The OAC can help. We’ve produced a number of state guides (with more being added all the time) that can give you the contact information of key officials as well as sample letters. In addition, you can use our Legislative Action Center to identify and write to both your Federal and State officials.

You really can make a difference. In fact, your efforts and/or personal experiences might end up benefiting thousands in your community.