History

The provincial training program is comprised of a part-time team of staff and a steering committee of eating disorder experts from across Ontario.

The provincial training program is anchored in an evidence-based model of care. In addition, knowledge generated from new research projects is shared on an ongoing basis with training participants. This allows information about current practices in the treatment and prevention of eating disorders to be shared in a timely fashion. The training has resulted in the development of a provincial network of specialized eating disorder service providers across Ontario that span the 6 Ontario Health Regions.

Mission

Eating disorders can be seriously debilitating conditions. Timely and appropriate intervention is essential to prevent chronicity and the diminished quality of life that too often results when left untreated. Unfortunately, there are significant gaps in the continuum of specialized care for this population in the province of Ontario. The mandate of the Outreach Program is to promote the spectrum of age-appropriate care throughout all regions of the province. Educating and supporting practitioners can facilitate access to community-based care for people with eating disorders. Regionalization of the continuum of care insures accessibility to timely and appropriate intervention. The Outreach Program endeavours to achieve these goals by:

• Identifying partnerships within the health care system.
• Providing education and training experiences to partners.
• Fostering the regionalization of specialized services.
• Facilitating easier access to community-based services by the consumer.

Partnerships

The Ontario Ministry of Health in partnership with:

• The University Health Network (Toronto General Division)
• The Hospital for Sick Children
• Provincial network of specialized eating disorder service providers