Dr. Cristina Castagnini interviews Akiera Gilbert, CEO of Project HEAL, about the critical issues surrounding access to eating disorder treatment and the upcoming Heal Week initiative.

Akiera Gibert is the CEO of Project HEAL – the leading nonprofit in the U.S. focused on equitable access to eating disorder care. In 2023, Project HEAL provided access to over $5 million worth of free services, including treatment placement, clinical assessments, cash assistance, insurance navigation, and meal support. Previously, Akiera served as the Founder and CEO of Body Reborn, an intersectional community-care organization for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who struggled with disordered eating. Her career is rooted in helping marginalized communities access critical resources -- from women and girls who have experienced violence, to incarcerated individuals. Akiera’s social impact expertise has equipped her to design, lead, and scale strategic initiatives worldwide.    

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Barriers to Eating Disorder Treatment
  • Insurance coverage and financial barriers
  • Weight stigma and medical bias
  • Lack of specialized providers
  • Premature discharge from treatment
Project HEAL's Initiatives
  • Free treatment placement program
  • Insurance navigation assistance
  • Clinical assessment program
  • Meal support services
  • Community care program (Body Reborn)
  • Informed Clinician Training Program
Heal Week (October 6-12, 2024)
  • Awareness campaign for barriers in mental health care
  • Sharing personal stories of healing
  • Providing mental health resources
  • Fundraising efforts with matching partners
Importance of Identity-Affirming Treatment
  • Addressing cultural, religious, and personal backgrounds in care
  • Focusing on long-term healing beyond symptom management
Challenges in Recognizing Eating Disorders
  • Societal normalization of dieting behaviors
  • Misconceptions about what eating disorders look like
  • Delays in screening and diagnosis

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:56 The Frustration of Limited Access to Treatment
  • 02:13 Introducing Akiera Gilbert and Project HEAL
  • 04:44 Akiera's Personal Journey and Community Care
  • 14:11 Barriers to Eating Disorder Treatment
  • 27:28 Understanding Eating Disorders vs. Dieting
  • 28:05 Delays in Care and Misdiagnosis
  • 30:34 The Role of Providers and Specialists
  • 30:57 Project HEAL's Informed Clinician Training Program
  • 34:52 Navigating Insurance and Access to Care
  • 36:46 Project HEAL's Treatment Placement Program
  • 42:08 Heal Week Campaign and Community Involvement
  • 46:30 Conclusion and Resources

HOW TO CONNECT WITH AKIERA TO LEARN MORE:

For listeners interested in understanding their relationship with food better or wondering if they have an eating disorder, Dr. Cristina Castagnini offers a free 9-week e-course at www.behindthebitepodcast.com.

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

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**Disclaimer:**

Behind the Bite Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized support.