Drake University Counseling Center is thrilled to bring Tom and Doris Smeltzer, authors of Andrea’s Voice: Silenced by Bulimia, to Drake for NEDAW 2016. Tom and Doris lost their daughter, Andrea, to bulimia at the age of 19, and have since dedicated their lives to eating disorder prevention. The Smeltzers will speak on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. Faculty and coaches can consider swapping a class, assignment, or practice to encourage students to attend the event, and the event is free and open to the public.

In addition to hosting the speakers, the Counseling Center will lead other events the week of Feb. 22–26. These events include a resource table in Olmsted, online eating disorder screenings, a mindful eating experience, and a yoga exercise. Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa is also hosting community events in Des Moines on Feb. 26–27 as well.

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life. Out of all mental health struggles, including schizophrenia, eating disorders continue to have the highest mortality rate. The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is to put the spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers, and treatments. By increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention, which can improve the likelihood of full recovery for millions. Help is available and recovery is possible.

Please let me know if you have any questions about these events.

—Melissa Nord, Counseling Center