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BANA GOES EAST

lhinconnection | 21 September, 2009 09:30

The Southwestern Ontario region has a rich history of non-profit agencies going above and beyond to provide the very best programs, staff and knowledge to the communities that they serve. One local agency is about to go that extra mile …..or rather an extra 6,700 miles to provide even better services!

Research shows that as a result of increasing global acceptance of the highly media-influenced and commercially dominant western societal values regarding body weight and image, increasingly more Asian Canadians and other cultural groups are developing greater dissatisfaction with their bodies’ natural shape.

The Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) is a not-for-profit, registered charity, community-based organization servicing the counties of Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. For the past 26 years, they’ve been committed to the provision of specialized treatment, education and support services for individuals affected directly and indirectly by eating disorders.

Executive Director, Mary Kaye Lucier says, “As the primary regional source for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, BANA is a leader in the promotion and acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes through the adoption of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Since its inception, BANA has provided services to thousands of individuals of all ages, genders and social/economic backgrounds with an ongoing case load of approximately 300 clients. In addition, we annually organize and host 250 educational health promotion presentations and programs that reach more than 20,000 children and adults.”

With their main office located in the Market Square in Windsor’s Walkerville area, BANA’s services are provided without age restrictions and are supported by the Ministry of Health and the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network.

Most recently, BANA was accepted into membership in the Worldwide Charter for Action on Eating Disorders. The Charter’s goal and the role of its members is to improve the availability and the quality of treatment and services for people with eating disorders and their families.

“Eating disorders, affect individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic groups,” explains Lucier. “Southwestern Ontario and the Windsor region in particular is a very culturally diverse area. In order to better provide services to these growing populations, agencies, especially those dealing with mental health, need to develop an appreciation and understanding for varying cultures.”

It is in the spirit of this vision of inclusivity that BANA is embarking on a truly unique mission that has the potential for countless positive benefits not only our own communities but across the globe.

As an initiative to broaden their professional depth and experience as well as foster greater cultural understanding; Mary Kaye will lead a team from BANA and a delegation of Canadian Eating Disorder and Wellness Professionals across the province on an exchange program to mainland China, including the communities of Beijing, Guiyang and Shanghai.

Research shows that as a result of increasing global acceptance of the highly media-influenced and commercially dominant western societal values regarding body weight and image, increasingly more Asian Canadians and other cultural groups are developing greater dissatisfaction with their bodies’ natural shape.

Understanding these conflicting trans-socio-cultural factors will lead to better treatment techniques a multi-cultural perspective on best practices for eating disorder treatments. That’s one of BANA’s primary goals in this mission.

Western societal values seem to conflict in particular within certain sectors of the Chinese culture wherein children in Chinese families often suffer low self esteem, and their families can seem demeaning instead of supportive, when faced with weight and shape conflicting values. Children then begin to believe that others, particularly members of their family, will lose respect for them if they are unable to solve their problems themselves. They may feel depressed because of the secrecy involved in seeking help or admitting there is a problem (Chiu, M., 2002).

There are growing trends in adolescent Asian females in particular who are more concerned with maintaining the dignity and pride of the family than their own well being. They are typically reluctant to seek outside help for eating disorders, because this would involve divulging private family matters to an outsider. Although, it is documented that though Chinese parents are more willing to seek outside treatment for eating disorders, if they perceive the health of their child to be threatened, it is critical that cultural understanding is part of the process.

Understanding these conflicting trans-socio-cultural factors will lead to better treatment techniques a multi-cultural perspective on best practices for eating disorder treatments. That’s one of BANA’s primary goals in this mission.

Organized in partnership with the world renown People to People Citizen Ambassador Program this mission offers Canada and China based mental health professionals alike, a unique exchange opportunity that will foster local and global networking, career development, personal enrichment, and international goodwill.

According to Ms. Lucier, “Our Citizen Ambassadors will interact with Health Care Professionals in China while engaging in cultural activities, seminars, and humanitarian efforts.”

“As part of this exchange, we will share our expertise, understanding and methodology on the treatment of Eating Disorders, with our peers in China, they will in turn provide us with a better understanding of their treatment and counseling approaches so that we can better serve the Asian population in our home communities and expand our own knowledge and skill sets. Furthermore, we have high hopes of developing an international network for ongoing collaboration, research and study of Eating Disorders on a global level.”

It is the intention of Mary Kaye and her team to use the face-to-face meetings and interactions with Chinese counterparts to yield immediate professional applications and personal insights for delegates in both countries as well as produce long-term collaborations.

From BANA’s standpoint, this is a monumental undertaking. With a staff of only 8 full and part time employees, at times this venture seems a world away. “It’s the commitment our staff has to creating and maintaining a Centre for Excellence in Eating Disorders, Health and Wellness for our community that drives us to go to such lengths.” says Mary Kaye. “All of Southwestern Ontario should be proud of what they are trying to do here.”

Already recognized in a letter of support, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty, expressed that BANA’s “efforts will do much to foster goodwill and international co-operation between our two jurisdictions, and improve the well-being of others. This endeavour is a reflection of the strong and caring society we have built together. Your compassion and hard work serve as a source of pride and inspiration.”

The Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association made huge strides generating local and regional awareness last September with their Windsor held Global Dinner Table Conference. The three day event hosted internationally recognized speakers and over 300 attendees, some from as far away as Australia. They are proud of how this community welcomed and supported that event and are hoping that they can count on your continued support in the fight against eating disorders.

BANA next wants to show the world the outstanding, caring community that they operate in. They are currently fundraising and seeking sponsorships/partnerships to support their mission to China.

According to BANA staff, there is a great potential for exposure for individuals and organizations willing to support this program. Not only will the team be conducting many one-on-one and group presentations abroad, with health professional and dignitaries, but when they return to Canada to share with what they have learned, they will be presenting to local and regional Asian-based associations, mental health professionals and the community at large. Supporters will have the opportunity to be recognized in print and multi-media formats for their contributions to this unique project.

“The gift of a healthier community is one we can all enjoy,” explains Mary Kaye. “According to Stats Canada, over 11,000 people over the age of 15 in Essex County alone are at risk of developing an eating disorder. We can only hope that the public will join us in our efforts to provide the very best in education, preventative and treatment services.

Parties interested in supporting this initiative can contact their BANA offices at 519-969-2112 or at info@bana.ca.

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