Alberta’s first live-in eating disorder recovery centre will save lives and change futures. Importantly, it won’t cost families a cent.
It has been four months since we announced that Alberta’s government has committed $5.3 million, over three years, to fund the province’s first live-in eating disorder recovery program. This was a huge milestone for Silver Linings, and it marks the start of an exciting new phase for us as we embark on bringing our vision, part of the reason we exist as a non-profit, to fruition.
The 12 community-based beds, funded by the government, will allow us to support up to 72 additional youth, every year, at no cost to families. Removing financial barriers to treatment has always been an essential part of our vision.
“When my daughter became ill, we were fortunate that we were in a position, financially, where we could consider taking her out of the province for care. This really troubled me and it was one of the reasons we established Silver Linings Foundation,” says founder and board chair, Cendrine Tremblay.
“Not everyone can afford to travel and pay for out-of-province treatment, not everyone can afford to take time off work or give up their job. At a time when you’re dealing with a child or youth in the throes of a life-threatening mental illness, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether you can afford the treatment they need to survive.”
The live-in recovery centre, which will be located in Calgary and open to Albertans, will offer families a home-from-home environment for youth, aged 13 to 24, who are not in need of urgent medical care. The average length of stay for patients is likely to be around two months and the program will focus on mental health, therapy, and nutrition.
“With the right care and support, recovery from an eating disorder is possible,” says Dan Williams, Minister for Mental Health, and Addiction. “Alberta’s government is proud to fund 12 new community-based beds for youth and young adults struggling with an eating disorder. By increasing access and removing barriers to treatment, we’re helping hundreds of young Albertans every year get the help they need and deserve.”
Without public funding, Tremblay says access to this kind of treatment could cost families upwards of $30,000 per month.
“There is a lot we don’t fully understand about eating disorders but there is a lot we do know about recovery,” says Tremblay. “We know that early intervention is essential to positive outcomes and limiting the impact illness can have on young lives. We know that eating disorders are mental illnesses, often closely tied to anxiety disorders, and require complex treatment plans. We also know that live-in programs give young people the best shot at a lifetime of recovery and that is what we’re striving for.”
The government funding will cover the cost of operations for the centre, while Silver Linings Foundation is responsible for fund-raising for the physical building. The Space for Hope capital campaign will enable us to purchase a permanent space for this live-in treatment centre. Stay tuned for campaign announcements.
Silver Linings Foundation is Alberta’s eating disorder resource, dedicated to advocacy and recovery. Our team are experts in the field of youth and adult mental health.
We offer online and in-person programs for teenagers and adults in eating disorder recovery as well as support for parents and loved ones caring for someone with an eating disorder. Check them out here.