You may be alarmed to know that eating disorders have one of the highest death rates in mental health, second only to opioid addiction.

Join us for an important and informative event during Eating Disorders Awareness Week. MHRC is again partnering with the National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) for an upcoming webinar that delves into the pressing and serious issues surrounding eating disorders. This event aims to shed light on the complexities of dealing with one of our most fatal mental illnesses. Learn from parents who navigate these realities everyday.


In this webinar, we will address the critical issues surrounding eating disorders with a focus on two key areas: caregiver education and the broader impacts of these disorders. Our esteemed researchers, Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos and Dr. Jennifer Couturier, will share their research findings, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by caregivers.

The fireside chat featuring Wendy Preskow, David Gervais, Akela Peoples promises a candid discussion on the real-world implications of eating disorders. We encourage attendees to actively participate in this conversation via chat, as we seek to bridge the gaps in understanding and support for those affected.


As eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates, second only to opioid addiction, it is crucial to confront this reality openly. The webinar will emphasize the need for caregiver education and highlight the existing gaps in support systems. Caregivers should not be alone in facing these challenges, and we encourage them to reach out for help and support, recognizing that services may vary across provinces.

Click here to register for this free webinar.

Webinar Details:

  • Date: February 2, 2024

  • Time: 12:30 pm ET - 1:30 pm ET

Features:

  • Fireside Chat with Caregivers:

    • Wendy Preskow (Co-founder, NIED, parent of child with an eating disorder)

    • David Gervais (Vice Principal, Waterford District High School, parent of child with an eating disorder)

    • Moderated by Akela Peoples (CEO, MHRC)

  • Presentation of Newly Unveiled Research:

  • Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos

    • Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, cross appointed with the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Calgary.  She holds a Research Excellence Chair in System level interventions for equitable and accessible youth mental health services.  Her research focuses on transitions in care and family based treatments for diverse youth and families affected by eating disorders. 

  • Dr. Jennifer Couturier

    • Child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical co-director of the Pediatric Eating Disorders Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital.  She is also an Assistant Professor within the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Pediatrics, and Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics at McMaster University.