Over the last few years, television networks seem to be making an increased effort to promote mental health resources during programs containing mental health related content. When it comes to eating disorders, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is almost always promoted as a resource. Unfortunately, NEDA has shown an unwillingness to listen to the community they claim to serve and recently decided to replace their human helpline with an AI chatbot named Tessa. The goal of this petition is to urge media networks to shift attention and resources toward organizations that are showing a willingness to listen and learn, like Project HEAL and National Alliance for Eating Disorders . 

For decades, NEDA has been known as the go-to ED organization for support and education. Over the last decade or so, NEDA's actions and views have raised an overwhelming number of questions and concerns from community members. For years now, people throughout the ED community have been calling on NEDA to do better and every time, NEDA appears to double down on their harmful perspectives and choices. Throughout their existence, NEDA’s volunteer run helpline has been their most vital program. The small team of workers who train and support those volunteers recently unionized and within a week, NEDA broke their legal agreement, terminating every unionized helpline associate. The helpline is now being replaced with a chatbot, Tessa, which has proven to be so harmful NEDA has had it disabled (as of May 30th, 2023). Even if the chatbot is improved, people who come to NEDA looking for support will will no longer be able to connect with a human being, let alone one who shares similar experiences

Fortunately, there are other nationwide ED organizations doing work to improve access and quality of care. One of those is a non-profit called Project HEAL, which offers a variety programs that provide direct support to those in need. Those programs include cash assistance, insurance navigation and treatment placement, as well as a much needed free clinical assessment program. Another resource is National Alliance for Eating Disorders. The Alliance is the leading national nonprofit organization providing referrals, education, and support for all individuals experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones. They offer a variety of programs and resources, including support groups that can be accessed worldwide and a comprehensive referral website. 

NEDA has shown time and time again that they value profits over people. Their actions have actively harmed many within the ED community and they seem to continue to do so even when approached with curiosity and concern. Organizations such as Project HEAL and The Alliance are listening, continually striving to learn and do better for the communities they serve. If you would like to learn more about any of the organizations or references mentioned, links will be listed below. Shifting attention and resources towards organizations like Project HEAL and The Alliance could literally save lives. 

 

NEDA Helpline Associates Union​

Project HEAL​ 

National Alliance for Eating Disorders​

Vice article about NEDA Helpline Associates Union and chatbot​

Vice Article about disabling chatbot due to harm​

People article about NEDA Helpline Associates Union and chatbot

 

About this writer: Bee Norris (they/ey) is a genderqueer individual living with ADHD and ARFID. They are a current member of FEDUP: a trans+ and intersex collective, and FEDUP is an affiliate partner of The Alliance. Bee is a former eating disorder therapist and serves on Project HEAL's program committee, which meets quarterly to assess programs for quality and accessibility. Regardless of Bee's association with these groups, the nature and urgency of this request would remain the same. This is a personal passion project of Bee's and therefore, they are not acting at the direction of Project HEAL or The Alliance.