Magnolia Creek Collaborates with State Senator Harri Anne Smith to Present Resolution During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Eating disorder treatment center marks week with candlelight vigil, a new family support group, presentations at universities, and legislation to promote awareness across the state of Alabama.
Birmingham, AL, February 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment Center for Eating Disorders has packed a full schedule for this year's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort running from February 22 - 28.
"This year, we really wanted to expand our efforts beyond Birmingham to reach more people throughout the entire state of Alabama," explains Dr. Nicole Siegfried, executive director. "The response has been so positive - we have something scheduled for every day this week."
State Resolution to Promote Awareness, Education, Prevention and Treatment
Siegfried is excited and optimistic about a resolution she has helped craft with state senator Harri Anne Smith, who will be presenting it to the Alabama State Legislature later this week. The resolution acknowledges the widespread prevalence of eating disorders, recognizes their negative consequences, and urges the state to take action to increase awareness, education, prevention and treatment options. Similar resolutions have been presented in other states, including California, Illinois, and Georgia.
"I am very grateful to Senator Smith for bringing statewide attention to eating disorders," enthuses Siegfried. "She has been a dedicated advocate, and we are honored to work with her."
University Presentations during NEDAW
In addition to her work on the resolution, Siegfried is taking to the road during NEDAW to speak at several universities and colleges in Alabama about eating disorders.
On Monday, February 23, she will be part of the panel for a screening of the documentary "America the Beautiful" at University of Alabama. She will be speaking about "Risk Factors for Eating Disorders" on Tuesday, February 24 at Birmingham Southern College and "The Dangers of Dieting on Thursday, February 26 at Auburn University. On Friday, February 27, Siegfried will be at Troy University (Troy campus) leading an ALACES workshop on "Innovative Treatments for Eating Disorders" that is geared towards professionals.
Candlelight Vigil in Birmingham and Online
Magnolia Creek will also be sponsoring a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, February 25 in Birmingham to remember, support, and celebrate individuals whose lives have been touched by an eating disorder. The special candle lighting ceremony will include artwork by recovered individuals, a music performance by Ruthie Puckett, a dance performance by Megan Bendig, and a speaker from Senator Smith's office.
"The policy efforts and speaking engagements can be wider-reaching, but it was important for me to do something more local and personal to pay tribute to the men and women 'on the frontlines' who battle eating disorders every day," says Siegfried. "This ceremony recognizes not just the individuals who suffer from the disease but their family members, friends, and loved ones who are also affected and in need of healing."
The candlelight vigil will take place on Wednesday, February 25 beginning at 7:00 pm at Reid Chapel at Samford University (800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama). Magnolia Creek has teamed up with the Alabama Network for Eating Disorders Awareness to put the vigil online on their website at www.alabamaeatingdisorders.com, where virtual candles can be lit and displayed during the week.
About National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Held annually since 1987, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort. During NEDAW health care providers, educators, social workers, family members, students and eating disorder professionals work to teach people of all ages about the importance of promoting positive body image as well as raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment by distributing educational materials and organizing events in their communities. To learn more about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
About Magnolia Creek
Peacefully situated beside a private lake and nestled among more than thirty wooded acres just outside Birmingham, Alabama, Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders provides treatment for women ages 18 and older struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Their comprehensive program provides intensive and personalized treatment in a natural, home-like setting, addressing the medical, psychological, nutritional, spiritual, and relational needs of their residents. Magnolia Creek is licensed by the State of Alabama and is accredited by The Joint Commission.
To learn more about Magnolia Creek or to schedule an onsite visit, please contact Suzanne Zimmerman by phone at 205 678 4373 x 103 or by email at media@magnolia-creek.com. There is also more information available at: www.magnolia-creek.com.
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"This year, we really wanted to expand our efforts beyond Birmingham to reach more people throughout the entire state of Alabama," explains Dr. Nicole Siegfried, executive director. "The response has been so positive - we have something scheduled for every day this week."
State Resolution to Promote Awareness, Education, Prevention and Treatment
Siegfried is excited and optimistic about a resolution she has helped craft with state senator Harri Anne Smith, who will be presenting it to the Alabama State Legislature later this week. The resolution acknowledges the widespread prevalence of eating disorders, recognizes their negative consequences, and urges the state to take action to increase awareness, education, prevention and treatment options. Similar resolutions have been presented in other states, including California, Illinois, and Georgia.
"I am very grateful to Senator Smith for bringing statewide attention to eating disorders," enthuses Siegfried. "She has been a dedicated advocate, and we are honored to work with her."
University Presentations during NEDAW
In addition to her work on the resolution, Siegfried is taking to the road during NEDAW to speak at several universities and colleges in Alabama about eating disorders.
On Monday, February 23, she will be part of the panel for a screening of the documentary "America the Beautiful" at University of Alabama. She will be speaking about "Risk Factors for Eating Disorders" on Tuesday, February 24 at Birmingham Southern College and "The Dangers of Dieting on Thursday, February 26 at Auburn University. On Friday, February 27, Siegfried will be at Troy University (Troy campus) leading an ALACES workshop on "Innovative Treatments for Eating Disorders" that is geared towards professionals.
Candlelight Vigil in Birmingham and Online
Magnolia Creek will also be sponsoring a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, February 25 in Birmingham to remember, support, and celebrate individuals whose lives have been touched by an eating disorder. The special candle lighting ceremony will include artwork by recovered individuals, a music performance by Ruthie Puckett, a dance performance by Megan Bendig, and a speaker from Senator Smith's office.
"The policy efforts and speaking engagements can be wider-reaching, but it was important for me to do something more local and personal to pay tribute to the men and women 'on the frontlines' who battle eating disorders every day," says Siegfried. "This ceremony recognizes not just the individuals who suffer from the disease but their family members, friends, and loved ones who are also affected and in need of healing."
The candlelight vigil will take place on Wednesday, February 25 beginning at 7:00 pm at Reid Chapel at Samford University (800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama). Magnolia Creek has teamed up with the Alabama Network for Eating Disorders Awareness to put the vigil online on their website at www.alabamaeatingdisorders.com, where virtual candles can be lit and displayed during the week.
About National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Held annually since 1987, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort. During NEDAW health care providers, educators, social workers, family members, students and eating disorder professionals work to teach people of all ages about the importance of promoting positive body image as well as raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment by distributing educational materials and organizing events in their communities. To learn more about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
About Magnolia Creek
Peacefully situated beside a private lake and nestled among more than thirty wooded acres just outside Birmingham, Alabama, Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders provides treatment for women ages 18 and older struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Their comprehensive program provides intensive and personalized treatment in a natural, home-like setting, addressing the medical, psychological, nutritional, spiritual, and relational needs of their residents. Magnolia Creek is licensed by the State of Alabama and is accredited by The Joint Commission.
To learn more about Magnolia Creek or to schedule an onsite visit, please contact Suzanne Zimmerman by phone at 205 678 4373 x 103 or by email at media@magnolia-creek.com. There is also more information available at: www.magnolia-creek.com.
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Contact
Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment Center for Eating Disorders
Suzanne Zimmerman or Christine Lerios
205 678 4373 x103
www.magnolia-creek.com
Suzanne Zimmerman or Christine Lerios
205 678 4373 x103
www.magnolia-creek.com
Contact
Multimedia
State Resolution
State Resolution to be presented by Alabama State Senator Harri Anne Smith during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
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