Posts Tagged “Voices of Veritas”

We at Accanto Health are deeply concerned by the bills being introduced in state houses across the country that single out LGBTQ+ individuals – many specifically targeting transgender youth – for exclusion or differential treatment. The ACLU is currently tracking 420 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S. These laws are aimed to limit access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms, and unnecessarily single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage. 

As an inclusive healthcare organization, we strongly believe in every individual’s right to access high-quality care. Emerging data show transgender individuals are at particularly increased risk for eating disordered behaviors. We believe that exclusionary legislation, barriers to care, and societal ostracization is harmful and unjust and will only cause these trends to increase. We are saddened by lawmakers’ refusal to listen to best practices set by the American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as many others. We at Accanto stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and strive to create a space that is safe for all, where all are treated with dignity and respect. 

As Veritas Collaborative and The Emily Program continue to integrate under our parent company Accanto Health, we are so excited to now have a common Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council. The EDI Council has been shaping our shared policies, procedures, and culture since our brands merged, and we feel it is time to introduce ourselves. The common questions and answers below provide an overview of the Council, its members, and its initiatives.

What is an EDI Council?

An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council is a group of staff from different levels and departments of an organization who represent varied personal and collective identities. EDI Councils typically work to advance the rights of marginalized folks within an organization, as well as those the organization serves. They also catalyze advocacy and spaces for reflection in response to local, national, and global events that challenge social justice or the rights of vulnerable populations.

Our 2020 Voices of Veritas series brings the thought leaders and subject matter experts at Veritas Collaborative to the forefront of the conversation about eating disorders. Together, these perspectives further our vision of a world where all persons with eating disorders and their families can access best-practice care and hold hope for a cure. 

Leah Graves, RD, LDN, CEDRD, FAED, Vice President of Nutrition & Culinary Services

Our 2020 Voices of Veritas series features thought leaders and subject matter experts at Veritas Collaborative who are driving the standard of care in eating disorder treatment to help fulfill our vision of a world in which all persons with eating disorders and their families have access to best-practice care and hold hope for a cure.

Nikki Hudson, MHA, Senior Director of Patient Access Services

In our Voices of Veritas series, we highlight the Veritas team members that help fulfill our vision of a world in which all persons with eating disorders have access to best-practice care and hold hope for a cure. These individuals ensure that patients, their families, and their communities of support receive the proper tools, resources, and education to support lasting recovery.

In our “Voices of Veritas” series, we’re introducing you to some of the world’s most engaging thought leaders, compassionate caregivers, and science-minded multidisciplinary teams. They work together to fulfill the Veritas Collaborative vision of a world where all persons with eating disorders have access to best-practice care and hold hope for a cure. 

In our “Voices of Veritas” series, we’re introducing you to some of the world’s most engaging thought leaders, compassionate caregivers, and science-minded multidisciplinary teams. They work together to fulfill the Veritas Collaborative vision of a world where all persons with eating disorders have access to best-practice care and hold hope for a cure. This month we explore culinary excellence with Eduardo Polit, executive chef for Veritas Collaborative’s Child and Adolescent Hospital in Durham, N.C.

In today’s Voices of Veritas post, we meet Taylor Rae Homesley, associate center director at Veritas Collaborative’s Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Hospital in Atlanta. Taylor Rae’s role keeps her on her toes, and she is always amazed at how quickly time passes while at work.

In our “Voices of Veritas” series, you will meet Veritas leaders and team members that help us to fulfill our vision of a world in which all persons with eating disorders and their families and communities have access to best-practice care and hold hope for a cure.

Our Voices of Veritas blog series will highlight our staff by sharing their personal and professional journeys in this specialty field to build honest, insightful conversation around eating disorders. Our first interview is with Dr. Preeti Matkins, the Executive Director of the Veritas Collaborative Charlotte treatment center.