A bedroom at the EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre in Calgary. (EHN Canada)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

eating disorder awareness week

Alberta-first eating disorders residential recovery centre opens in Calgary

Feb 7, 2025 | 9:36 AM

A new eating disorders recovery centre — the first of it’s kind, according to the provincial government — is now open in Calgary.

The Government of Alberta provided an update on the project Thursday, during Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), Feb. 1-7. It notes the EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre has brought together themselves, Recovery Alberta, Silver Linings Foundation, and Edgewood Health Network.

Edgewood (EHN) also operates Red Deer’s addictions recovery community centre which opened up in early 2023; as well as facilities across the country.

“EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre provides the highest standard of treatment for eating disorders in a safe, nurturing environment where young people can begin their journey to recovery,” says Christina Basedow, CEO, EHN Canada.

“Our multidisciplinary team of compassionate experts is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of eating disorders with evidence-based care and unwavering support. At the heart of our mission is helping patients and their families rediscover hope, rebuild their lives and achieve lasting recovery.”

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Sandstone will close a gap in the continuum of care for youth and young adults diagnosed with complex eating disorders, it’s said. Albertans aged 12-24 can access its services.

Per a release, the centre offers an individualized approach to care, with around-the-clock support from a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, nurses, counselors and support staff.

Services include academic support, weekly individual and family therapy, daily group therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, structured meal support therapy, self-care and wellness activities, nutritional education, and distress tolerance skills. Treatment lasts anywhere from three weeks to four months.

Alberta provided just about $10 million for the project, with another $4 million from Silver Linings.

Eighteen clients have been admitted to-date

Meantime, the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) is working hard this week to raise awareness of a health issue that affects many.

This year’s campaign carries the theme ‘Embracing Possibilities’ and highlights the power of community-driven solutions, innovative care models, and insightful educational opportunities.

“So many people are impacted by disordered eating, but proportionately so few receive the support they need,” says Lauren Berlinguette, executive director. “Awareness Week is an important reminder that you are seen, and that support is available.”

An estimated 55,000 Albertans, and one million to three million Canadians, have eating disorders. The range is broad, Berlinguette says, because eating disorders are often underreported and underdiagnosed.

The EDSNA was not involved with the Calgary project, but does work with the Calgary Eating Disorder Program and Silver Linings on other initiatives.

Landmarks across Alberta took part in recognizing the awareness week, including Red Deer’s Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, which lit up in purple on Feb. 3.

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