Our Mission
A statewide network rooted in connection, education, and hope
The Eating Disorders Association of Maine is a statewide network of individuals, providers, organizations, educators, advocates, and community members working together to improve eating disorder awareness, prevention, education, and access to care across Maine.
EDAM is dedicated to promoting body acceptance, weight-inclusive care, and health and wellbeing at every size. We connect people with resources, strengthen collaboration among treatment providers, and support individuals, families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities impacted by eating disorders and disordered eating.
Whether someone is seeking support for themselves, worried about a loved one, looking for treatment options, or hoping to better support their community, EDAM exists to help people feel less alone and more connected to care.
Growing a stronger network of care in Maine
EDAM began with the recognition that eating disorder support requires collaboration across disciplines, organizations, and communities.
A need became impossible to ignore
EDAM grew from the vision and leadership of Mary O’Rear, former Executive Director of Mainely Girls. Through her work supporting girls’ confidence, leadership, and wellbeing, Mary began hearing more stories of young people struggling with eating disorders.
She recognized that eating disorders could affect people across genders and backgrounds, and that these illnesses often became significant barriers to living full, connected, and meaningful lives.
Bringing providers and communities together
Mary understood that eating disorders are complex and often involve overlapping medical, mental health, nutritional, social, and emotional needs.
No single provider, family member, school, or organization could address these challenges alone. She began bringing together professionals across Maine to strengthen collaboration, improve communication, and support more connected treatment teams.
The Eating Disorders Association of Maine takes shape
Thanks to Mary’s leadership, passion, and persistence, eating disorder professionals across Maine began building stronger networks of care.
In 2012, a group of like-minded individuals formally created the Eating Disorders Association of Maine. Today, EDAM continues that work through education, collaboration, advocacy, resource-sharing, and connection throughout the state.
Improving awareness, education, prevention, and access to support
EDAM works to strengthen how Maine communities understand, recognize, respond to, and support people affected by eating disorders and disordered eating.
Connect people with resources
Help individuals and families find eating disorder information, support options, and treatment resources throughout Maine.
Strengthen provider collaboration
Support connection among medical, mental health, nutrition, and other professionals involved in eating disorder care.
Offer education and training
Provide learning opportunities for healthcare professionals, schools, organizations, families, and communities.
Raise awareness
Increase understanding of eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, weight stigma, and barriers to care.
Promote body acceptance
Advocate for weight-inclusive approaches to health, care, and community wellbeing.
Support prevention and early response
Help Maine communities recognize concerns sooner and respond with greater compassion, knowledge, and confidence.
Eating disorders are serious, complex, and treatable conditions. No one should have to navigate them alone.
Eating disorders do not have one look
Eating disorders are often misunderstood, under-recognized, and under-treated. They can affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, races, abilities, income levels, and backgrounds.
Someone may be struggling even if they appear healthy, maintain a certain weight, or do not fit the narrow image often associated with eating disorders.
Eating disorders can affect physical health, mental health, relationships, school, work, identity, and daily life. Early recognition and access to appropriate care can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
A more connected Maine is possible
EDAM is building a community where people affected by eating disorders can find understanding, reliable resources, and pathways to care without facing the journey alone.