The Manitoba government is proclaiming Eating Disorders Awareness Week and providing $500,000 to the Women’s Health Clinic to create a provincial community-based child and youth eating disorders program.
Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced today, “This new community-based program provides support and care so that children and youth can get early access to treatment. Early treatment saves lives and our government is proud to partner with Women’s Health Clinic on this important work.”
The new program will be grounded in the principles of harm reduction, body sovereignty and healing-centred engagement, and will operate from a weight neutral perspective that recognizes health is not determined by size, the minister noted, adding it will also focus on equity and access for underserved communities, particularly Indigenous and racialized youth of all genders and identities.
Participants will be able to access resources, education and direct counseling or support services through the program, which will also enhance capacity across the mental health-care system by providing education and training to service providers, noted the minister. The program will take a multidisciplinary team approach and include a social worker or counselling, dietitian, nurse practitioner, health educator, knowledge keeper or elder, and peer support.
Today’s announcement falls during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, an annual campaign that takes place the first week of every February to raise awareness and foster understanding about eating disorders.
The Manitoba government also provides $901,000 annually to the Women’s Health Clinic to support the Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program, which offers community-based treatment for adults.
You can find more information about accessing treatment for eating disorders through the Women’s Health Clinic at Eating Disorders | Women’s Health Clinic
