ANAD Programs and Services
HELPLINE: Through our helpline and response to email inquiries anadhelp@anad.org , ANAD provides help and information to thousands of people and families affected by anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
ONLINE SUPPORT: www.anad.org hosts a forum for all individuals suffering from eating disorders, in recovery, and friends and family. The website also hosts invaluable information about the disorders, treatment, and educational materials. Our newsletter is available for download here at no cost.
REFERRAL LIST: ANAD’s referral list includes over 2,500 therapists, inpatient, outpatient programs in the U.S. and Canada .
EARLY DETECTION: Through education of parents, teachers and families about the dangers of eating disorders the value of early detection can be life saving.
EDUCATION/PREVENTION: ANAD distributes information about eating disorders to health care professionals and interested people to inform them about the various aspects of eating disorders. Libraries, schools, universities and other institutions use ANAD as a resource center. Thousands of talks, workshops and seminars on understanding and preventing eating disorders are made each year by ANAD group leaders, trained volunteers and staff.
PUBLICITY: Through ANAD’s efforts, articles on eating disorders have appeared in hundreds of newspapers and magazines. ANAD has participated in hundreds of national and community radio and television programs.
SUPPORT GROUPS: ANAD assists in the formation of self-help groups so that victims and their families may meet others with similar problems. There are now groups and resources in most states.
NATIONAL NEWSLETTER: ANAD distributes Working Together to thousands of members, families, health professionals and schools to provide educational information and an exchange of feelings and ideas.
RESEARCH: ANAD research projects have helped significantly to increase the understanding of eating disorders in the United States, especially in demonstrating that anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are at epidemic levels and strike every segment of American society. The Association has encouraged and participated in numerous national projects designed to better understand eating disorders.
INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION: ANAD is working to halt widespread discrimination against those suffering from eating disorders.
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION: ANAD has been instrumental in encouraging states across the country to pass parity laws which would ensure equal coverage for mental illness and eating disorders which is already given for medical coverage. Many states developed parity laws for the first time or improved those already in existence.
STATE AND NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS: ANAD representatives appear at congressional hearings to testify on the dangers of adolescent dieting and potentially dangerous diet products, to promote sound governmental programs and consumer protection in the eating disorders field.
PRO-ANOREXIA WEBSITES: Through constant diligence and negotiation, ANAD has been instrumental in removing websites promoting anorexia nervosa and bulimia behaviors.
CANDLELIGHT VIGILS: This awareness event promotes self-acceptance, healthy life-styles; commemorates those who have passed, and commits to action to prevent eating disorders.
SCHOOL GUIDELINES: Teachers, counselors, social workers and coaches are important allies in the battle of early detection, prevention and intervention. The YOUTH EDUCATION SERVICES program arms them with the information and materials necessary to help a student who is suffering or at risk of developing an eating disorder. Hundreds have been distributed throughout the nation.
HELP A FRIEND BOOKLETS: Friends frequently take on the role of family in caring for each other. ANAD has created a booklet for college students and friends to educate them on how to recognize the signs of eating disorders and give them the tools to help a friend.