Thirteen Island health professionals recently attended at two-day advanced eating disorders workshop led by eating disorder expert Jessica Setnick.

The workshop held May 19 and May 20 was designed to help the professionals serve Island youth who struggle with eating disorders, according to a press release.

Ms. Setnick is a registered dietitian with 18 years of experience in providing nutrition counseling to children and teens. She said eating disorders are a silent epidemic.

“Although Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t have its own treatment program, the dedicated professionals that came to this training are looking ahead to building a stronger community of practitioners to treat eating disorders,” Ms. Setnick said in a press release. She said that by next year, there will be at least one support group in place on the Island, as well as a primary prevention program in the schools.

The Island therapists, dietitian/nutritionists, health coaches and school nurses that attended the workshop earned continuing education credits and expanded their knowledge in treating those with eating disorders.

Island-Wide Youth Collaborative program director Susan Mercier said the goal of the training was providing a network of providers who can support young people living with eating disorders.

Island health officials interested in learning more and helping to educate and support those with eating disorders are encouraged to contact Prudence Athearn Levy, the co-owner of Vineyard Nutrition, at 508-627-3235.