Eating Disorder Awareness Week Proclaimed

February 5 to 11 has been proclaimed Eating Disorder Awareness Week by the Provincial Government. This year’s theme The Many Faces of Eating Disorders promotes awareness that eating disorders affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services joined representatives of the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDFNL) to sign a proclamation to officially recognize the week.

“Eating disorders affect an estimated 7,500 families in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Sullivan. “Increased awareness of eating disorders is a critical first step to early detection, treatment and recovery. Our government is supportive of the aims and objectives of the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and trust that this week’s programs and activities will bring about a greater understanding of this serious health issue.”

In the past two years, the Provincial Government has provided a total of $195,000 in funding to the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2011, the EDFNL received $25,000 to expand the Let’s Talk Eating Disorders Program to deliver information sessions to school administrators, school counsellors and support staff throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization receives $50,000 in annual operational funding to advocate, educate and support families affected by eating disorders.

“Our government continues to make mental health and addictions a priority,” said Minister Sullivan. “Over the past two years the Provincial Government has invested $15.9 million in mental health and addictions services to increase awareness and ensure that these services are strengthened throughout the province.”

During Eating Disorder Awareness Week, educational activities take place to help raise the level of understanding of eating disorders and encourage prevention, treatment, and recovery. For more information please visit www.edfnl.ca/ 

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Photo: The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, signs the Eating Disorder Awareness Week proclamation. Front row (left to right): Vince Withers, Chair, Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDFNL); Minister Sullivan; and, Ellen Foley, Executive Director, EDFNL. Back row (left to right): Krista Wade, Program Manager, Centre for Hope, Eastern Health; Gerry Angel, Treasurer, EDFNL; and, Dr. Olga Heath, Chair of the Eating Disorder Interprofessional Community Capacity Building Project Team.

Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and
Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca 

2012 02 06                            11:30 a.m.