Project EDSA
Empowering schools to build awareness, prevention, and peer support systems for eating disorders, so no student or educator faces them alone.
What Is Project EDSA?
We believe that youth have the power to lead change. As the first youth-led initiative empowering schools to build awareness, prevention, and peer support systems for eating disorders, we’re working to make sure no student or educator faces them alone.
28.8 Million
Americans will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Over 80%
Of adolescents will never seek or receive care for their eating disorder.
Only >10%
of U.S. high schools currently offer eating disorder-specific programming
Three-Tier Approach
EDSA introduces a three-tier approach to lead change.
Mobilize
Students
We empower students to lead change through chapters, campaigns, and social media initiatives that raise awareness and reduce stigma in their schools and communities.
Mobilize
Schools
Our partnership with ANAD allows us to provide schools with campaign guides, prevention programs, and connections to ANAD’s peer support groups, so they are equipped to provide early intervention and support.
Mobilize Technology
We extend our reach through digital toolkits, online resources, and storytelling platforms, making awareness and support accessible to students wherever they are.
988 Bookmark Campaign
Today, nearly 1 in 3 young people report lacking reliable access to mental health resources, and about half say they wouldn’t know what to do if they felt suicidal. The 988 Bookmark Campaign was created to close this gap by putting the 988 Crisis Lifeline directly into students’ hands.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that connects anyone in emotional distress to trained crisis counselors.
Through this campaign, we distribute free bookmarks featuring the 988 number, a QR code, and supportive messaging in schools, libraries, and community spaces. Each bookmark is designed to be a resource students can carry with them, serving as a small but powerful reminder that help is always available.
This project reflects our belief that small, tangible actions can create a big impact. With every bookmark handed out, we hope to ensure that students know where to turn to when facing a crisis.
Meet the Chapter Leaders
Abigail Sawyer
Las Vegas, NV, USA
I want to provide real help to everyone who may need it, even if they can’t ask for it themselves. I understand how hard reaching out for support can be, especially during a mental health crisis, and want to make resources and supplies available to everyone without the need to share personal information about the struggles they are facing. Through school-wide and local community involvement, more people will be able to get the resources they need without feeling isolated when trying to seek them.
Afomia Abeje
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
As someone passionate about medicine and community impact, I am eager to establish a Project EDSA chapter. This initiative will allow me to connect with like-minded individuals and raise awareness about mental health and eating disorder issues. With the support of Project EDSA, I aim to create a collaborative environment where we can effectively address the challenges faced by those struggling with these conditions. Through teamwork and determination, we can develop programs and resources that provide support and education to individuals in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community and promote a greater understanding of mental health and eating disorders, ultimately fostering a more compassionate society.
Aida Gesink
Delaware, OH, USA
I started a Project EDSA chapter on my college campus to offer support to students suffering from mental health struggles. I wanted to create a mental health focused chapter that works alongside the university counseling services to provide the type of help required for mental health struggles as intense and severe as eating disorders. Eating disorders can be extremely debilitating and impact every part of a students life. Through Project EDSA, I will be able to help provide free support, education, and awareness to those who are struggling and offer an understanding community space for students to encourage and uplift each other. Project EDSA will allow students on my campus to work together to increase the quality of life of those suffering from mental health struggles.
Amy Gu
Ellicott City, MD, USA
I got to know ANAD through a research course I was taking. I was inspired to become an ambassador because someone very close to me got diagnosed with an eating disorder, and I thought it was important to bring awareness to eating disorders, including at my school. I’m also a strong advocate for mental health.
Volunteer
Social Media Team
Create engaging posts, reels, and campaigns that follow EDSA’s branding and help our mission continue reaching 800,000+ people nationwide.
Education Team
Our partnership with ANAD allows us to provide schools with campaign guides, prevention programs, and connections to ANAD’s peer support groups, so they are equipped to provide early intervention and support.
Outreach Team
Help us represent EDSA through in-person events, school presentations, and virtual videos — helping spread resources, recruit new chapters, and bring our mission directly to students and communities.
Creatives Team
Design comprehensive slideshows, monthly event campaign kits, and visual materials to support 70+ chapters across 12 countries.
After reviewing the volunteer teams, fill out this form to join a team!