New program addresses eating disorders in Simcoe County amid rising cases

New eating disorder treatment program A new eating disorder treatment and support program is offered to children, youth and adults under 25.

A new initiative aims to tackle the rising cases of eating disorders and support families struggling with these complex issues.

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) joined forces to launch the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Eating Disorder Program (SMREDP) amid an unprecedented increase in cases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is customized to serve children, adolescents and young adults under 25 in Barrie, Orillia and surrounding areas with evidence-based outpatient eating disorder treatment.

"The expansion of our program to include transitional aged youth (25 and under) will allow us to continue the treatment journey for a population of youth that have never had access to these specialized services," said Dr. Leah Bartlett with RVH.

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other specified feeding or eating disorders), plus severe illnesses with significant medical and mental health complications.

Eating disorders can affect anyone and aren't always obvious. Symptoms of eating disorders can include mood swings, increased fatigue, fainting or lightheadedness, thinning hair or hair loss, frequent bathroom visits after eating, unexplained weight changes, increased rigidity around food, withdrawal from friends and food rituals.

Leeann Hurd's daughter, Jordyn, received treatment for an eating disorder. Hurd noted the wait list for programs can be months or even years.

"It breaks my heart," Hurd stated. "Some children don't have that much time to wait."

The mom said she hopes SMREDP will allow more children to get treatment. "I can honestly say that without the eating disorder program and the team at OSMH, she might not be here today. They saved her life."

The program will provide a pre-treatment phase that offers families support before receiving treatment to help manage the long wait lists.

A physician or nurse practitioner referral is required to access the program.