Our Mission

What is EDAM?

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 wellness at every size. We work to 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.

Our mission is rooted in hope, connection, and the belief that recovery is possible. Whether someone is seeking support for themselves, worried about a loved one, looking for treatment options, or hoping to learn how to better support their community, EDAM exists to help people feel less alone and more connected to care.

History

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 and 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.

Mary also understood that eating disorders are complex. They often involve overlapping medical, mental health, nutritional, social, and emotional needs. No single provider, family member, school, or organization can address these challenges alone. In response, Mary began bringing together professionals across Maine who were working with individuals affected by eating disorders. Her goal was to strengthen collaboration, improve communication, and help create more connected treatment teams.

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 came together to formally create the Eating Disorders Association of Maine. Today, EDAM continues that work by supporting education, collaboration, resource-sharing, advocacy, and connection throughout the state.

Our Mission

EDAM’s mission is to promote eating disorder awareness, prevention, education, and access to support throughout Maine.

We do this by:

  • Connecting individuals and families with eating disorder resources

  • Supporting collaboration among medical, mental health, and nutrition professionals

  • Offering education and training for providers, schools, organizations, and communities

  • Raising awareness about eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, and weight stigma

  • Promoting body acceptance and weight-inclusive approaches to health

  • Helping Maine communities better recognize, respond to, and prevent eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious, complex, and treatable conditions. No one should have to navigate them alone.

Why EDAM’s Work Matters

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.

Despite common stereotypes, eating disorders do not have a single “look.” 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 impact 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.

Yet many people still face barriers to support, including:

  • Limited access to specialized eating disorder providers

  • Long waitlists for care

  • Insurance and payment barriers

  • Lack of awareness about available resources

  • Weight stigma and diet culture

  • Misinformation about food, bodies, exercise, and health

  • Shame, secrecy, and fear of not being “sick enough”

  • Geographic barriers, especially in rural communities

  • A lack of coordinated care among providers

EDAM exists to help reduce these barriers by bringing people, providers, and communities together.