Puente de Vida

I’ve known the Founders of this life saving organization, professionally for 30+ years. They have been saving lives, longer than that. This specific type of treatment is highly needed, as eating disorders often go unrecognized. By intervening at the outpatient level, they reduce medical costs and save lives of «normal» productive people. Food can be as addicting as anything, in certain people. (And then some.) Sometimes another physical disorder, even another addiction or a cross-​addiction can cause it. I’m sure that they are evaluating + educating clients/​patients, referring to medical, as needed, + going extra miracles as usual. They are committed to hiring nothing but the most dedicated and experienced staff, + are «the professional’s professional.» They are honest, personally motivated, and dedicated to their causes, + they consistently fill the gaps in Social Work that «need» specialized support. They are consistent «trend setters» ahead of their time. Outpatient support, education + referral is vital to «engaging these clients» + saving lives. Its easy to «say stop eating,» but in reality, eating is mandatory for living. Probably neglected in treatment centers as much as it is, due to the barriers of culture, lack of education, + lack of specialized physical screening of the general overweight and underweight population. Familial patterns, nurture, + nature, possible, mal-​nutrition, thyroid disorders or depression can be at its root. Diabetics crave food to the point of toxicity, + many go undiagnosed + not «understood». The pictures of deserts on every magazine at a supermarket check out, are some of the triggers that are every where, + food is «legal.» Do not forget eating disorders of anorexic type + with bulemia being a devastating cycle, killing too many good people every year as well. Fear of fat can cause «binging +/​or purging, intestinal, internal bleeding, emergencies, surgeries and cause pre-​mature deaths. As for anorexics, at a certain point, the appetite disappears. Nausea sets in, + often the digestive system can shut down entirely + the appetite cannot be revived. Ie. the tragic case of «Karen Carpenter» of 1960’s musical fame. Adressing the psychological causes are also mandatory in treating many of these disorders. We in Social Work need these kinds of treatment centers, to reger people to, + rest assured that these co-​founders always deliver more than expected. They go above + beyond the «call of duty» per say in everything they do. They are the best of the best. — Sincerely, Susan Darnell
(not a medical doctor, just an experienced para-​professional)