KU's CARE Center to Host Open House and Resource Fair on Eating Disorders

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with CARE researchers and staff, exploring various studies through interactive activities. Attendees can meet the scientists and graduate students involved in the research at designated stations throughout the center. Community partners will provide information on medical care, nutrition, wellness, and mental health resources. Screening for eating disorders will also be available, along with referral information. Limited parking will be offered to registered participants, and registration is strongly encouraged.

CARE, part of the KU Life Span Institute, relocated to Youngberg Hall last year. Its mission focuses on improving the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders through innovative research and methods, with support from federal grants including those from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.

Kelsie Forbush, senior scientist and director of CARE, stated that the event aims to highlight the university's efforts in addressing a pervasive mental health issue. “We are excited to open our doors and demonstrate how our research is making a difference in our Kansas community and beyond,” Forbush said.

The timing of the event in October also coincides with World Mental Health Day, recognized on October 10 by the World Health Organization. “Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate of any mental illness,” Forbush noted. “Our research is critical to improving the ways that eating disorders are identified, diagnosed, and treated by healthcare providers. Our goal is for all people with EDs to receive swift and effective interventions to return to a life worth living.”