In honor of the anniversary of my recovery journey, I have decided to go big or go home. I am excited to announce that I am officially a Project HEAL Ambassador! Project HEAL is an outstanding non-profit organization that aims to break do

In honor of the anniversary of my recovery journey, I have decided to go big or go home. I am excited to announce that I am officially a Project HEAL Ambassador! Project HEAL is an outstanding non-profit organization that aims to break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder treatment. They want to erase some of the stigmas that exist and level the playing field to make treatment accessible to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. 

It is commonly thought that white, young, female, thin, and affluent people are the only sufferers of eating disorders, and that is so not true!! I can definitely tell you that I fit into that category, but many people I have met along my recovery journey, and in life, do not. I want to do my part to educate and empower others. So here we goooo!

***This information is taken from Project HEAL’s Ambassador Presentation that I was sent to use to inform others***

  • 30 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, however, only 20% receive the treatment they need. That leaves 80% never being able to access the clinical care that can be absolutely crucial to recover!

  • Although Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa typically get all the press and attention, there are other eating disorders that are just as harmful; Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

  • There are many types of treatment and care one can receive for an eating disorder; Intensive Outpatient/Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Residential, and Inpatient Care. Six years ago I was admitted to an Inpatient Hospital where I spent 18 days, however, other people take different paths towards recovery, and unfortunately, this decision is often not up to them… insurance is a bitchhh (more on that later).

  • Eating Disorder Treatment is EXPENSIVE… it can cost upwards of $250,000 to recover, which is why there is such a problem with many people accessing care. It is not affordable at all. Research shows that it takes many people 3 months in a higher level of care and 1-2 years in outpatient care to fully recover. However, that also does not take relapses into consideration… I cannot tell you how many people I’ve met who need to seek higher levels of care two times or more. This can surely break the bank!

Project HEAL has three main services: Insurance Navigation, Treatment Placements, and Cash Assistance.

  1. Insurance Navigation: It is more common than not for insurance companies to unfairly deny people coverage for eating disorder treatment, especially at the level of care that is appropriate for them to recover. Despite the fact that insurance saw validity in my need for inpatient care, they still had me discharged as soon as I hit a goal weight. Nonetheless, I feel incredibly grateful to have had insurance and access to treatment that was crucial to maintaining physical health. Project HEAL helps people understand their insurance benefits… this is very confusing for many so this help is super important!!

  2. Treatment Placements: THIS IS OUTSTANDING. Project HEAL offers its beneficiaries FREE treatment through their grant program. They have the largest network of facilities and providers at every level of care. This makes Project HEAL the ONLY non-profit in the U.S providing pro bono or discounted treatment to people who are uninsured or underinsured. I mean, guys, how amazing is this?!?!

  3. Cash Assistance: Lots of people are unable to access their insurance benefits due to high deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and copays, which is why Project HEAL so amazingly offers one-time cash gifts to these individuals. They also assist with travel costs and some other tertiary expenses associated with going to treatment. So awesome!

If you couldn’t already tell, Project HEAL is doing unbelievable work in the eating disorder community, but they cannot do it without the support of others. Any donation is greatly appreciated!

There is nothing more important to me than making sure everyone is supported and treated fairly. I cannot imagine how different my life would look right now if I was not given the treatment and care I so desperately needed. I mean, battling an eating disorder is hard enough! Sufferers don’t deserve to have this added worry on top of the already exhausting and painful struggles they are enduring. Be the reason someone is able to get help and make positive strides towards a life of recovery!

The picture is of my meal-prepping… something I have found to reduce anxiety and keep me eating 3 meals a day! #recoverywins

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