Health and Community Services
February 2, 2015

Promoting Community Awareness

Provincial Government Recognizes Eating Disorder Awareness Week

The Provincial Government is recognizing February 1-7 as Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The provincial theme for 2015 is Prevention...We CAN Make It Happen. The theme emphasizes prevention through education, understanding the signs and knowing where to seek help.

�Individuals and families who deal with eating disorders face complex and difficult circumstances. Our government is supportive of the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador�s efforts to increase awareness in this area, as it contributes greatly to early detection, treatment and recovery. The foundation is also a key partner as we move toward the development of a new comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has provided approximately $380,000 in funding to the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador to educate and support families affected by eating disorders.

In addition, the Provincial Government allocates approximately $100 million annually to support mental health and addictions programming and services provided by the four regional health authorities and over $2 million annually to support 10 community agencies that provide mental health and addictions services.

�Each day the Eating Disorder Foundation sees residents of this province come through our doors in need of support and treatment for a number of complex eating disorders. As a foundation, we strive to promote a healthy body image and self-esteem through public education and awareness. We will continue to work with the Provincial Government on the delivery of programs and services to support these individuals.�
- Paul Thomey, Executive Director, Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

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 on Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2015, visit www.edfnl.ca/ .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is recognizing February 1-7 as Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The provincial theme for 2015 is Prevention...We CAN Make It Happen, emphasizing prevention through education, understanding the signs and knowing where to seek help.
• Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has provided approximately $380,000 in funding to the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Provincial Government also provides $100 million annually to support mental health and addictions programming and services across the province.
• For more information on Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2015, please visit www.edfnl.ca/ .

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Media contacts:

Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

Paul Thomey Executive Director Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-0500 paul@edfnl.ca

2015 02 02                              10:25 a.m.