Health Services hosts National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Jessica Barone

University Health Services and the Body Acceptance Movement are set to host National Eating Disorders Screening Day from 1-4 p.m. in the Student Center on February 25.

The screening will be held in hopes of increasing awareness and to encourage treatment to people who are dealing with an eating disorder.

 “Its important that college students learn the signs and symptoms and where to seek appropriate care,” according to the Screening for Mental Health.

Students who attend the screening will receive a screening kit in which they will be able to fill out and have scored. Once students are done filling out their information, they will be able to speak with one of the mental health professionals in a one-on-one session.

“This is all about increasing awareness, anyone who has a concern about eating disorders, issues, to go through this,” said Scott Dotterer, coordinator in the office of health promotion. “Any of the screenings are a good opportunity to broaden that knowledge base”

This is the first year that the Body Acceptance Movement and University Health Services have hosted the screening event as a part of awareness week. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 22-26, with many events being held on campus.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that 1 in 4 college students have an eating disorder.

Students who attend will also be able to gain FlashPerks for the event.

More information and statistics about Body Acceptance Movement is available on its Facebook page.

For more information on eating disorders and mental health issues, visit NEDA website, or University Health Services.