Stories from the CEO: Exponential Need, Exponential Impact
When I joined Project HEAL in January, I was already inspired by its many strengths: a focus on equity, dedication to access, and deep compassion. It has been a privilege to lead this next chapter and build on that legacy of impact together.
However, the greatest honor is our community’s trust, as they share their stories with us every day. Many of us know firsthand the difficulty and risk of this: of reaching out for support in the depths of struggle, not knowing if your needs will be accommodated. I am thankful that Project HEAL’s work gives people hope nationwide in times when they might otherwise see none.
Recently, a mom wrote to us about her daughter, Sarah*, whose binge eating disorder shifted into anorexia, and time blurred from the eating disorders that changed her life. She found herself in countless Facebook support groups, reading stories from other parents whose savings and hope were running low. Then, they received a scholarship from Project HEAL.
Our Impact
Sarah's story reflects a national crisis: right now, millions of Americans are unable to access eating disorder care. With mounting insurance barriers, our applications for help have increased 50% this year alone.
This year, we've…
Tripled our services (over 6,800)
Directly supported over 2,252 people
Delivered access to more than 6.3 million dollars worth of care
Most importantly, we're reaching those who need it most: over 54% of those we serve utilize Medicaid or Medicare, and often face impossible choices. We couldn’t have achieved this without you.
Our community taught us something crucial: creating lasting change means doing things differently, and often, treatment alone isn't enough. We need to fill the recovery gaps - including reliable transportation, food access, and a supportive community - to truly heal individually and collectively.
That's why we're launching an ambitious three-year strategy, with a simple yet bold vision: build a system where everyone can access care that works for them. We're expanding our direct service model across the country, training clinicians providers to spot and treat eating disorders early, and creating a comprehensive support system that stays with people throughout their healing journey. Because we've learned that true healing isn't just about treatment – it's about building an ecosystem of support that lasts.
Our Stories Live On
Our stories fuel our vision. Sarah’s story is also one of hope, as she is now thriving in grad school, and shows us what healing can look like when someone gets the support they need. But hope shouldn't have to wait. Right now, another person is finding the courage to ask for help, and we want to answer with an immediate "yes, we're here for you.”
When you give before December 31st at midnight, you make hope happen.
$25 – Foster Awareness: Challenge stigma through education with diverse voices.
$50 – Navigate Insurance: Support our insurance navigation services, including help with single case agreements (SCAs).
$100 – Support Community Care: Help us provide resources for BIPOC individuals through Body Reborn.
$250 – Fund Diagnosis: Fund our free clinical assessments for people who otherwise could not afford a diagnosis.
$1,000 – Cover a Deductible: Help someone overcome the financial barrier of high insurance deductibles.
Together, we can build a world where asking for help means finding it. Will you join us?
Sincerely,
Akiera Gilbert
Chief Executive Officer
Project HEAL
