Military Eating Disorder Awareness and Literacy (MEDAL™) is a groundbreaking training program developed by veterans and clinicians to bridge the gap between military culture and mental health care. Designed for military leaders, healthcare providers, and veteran-serving organizations, MEDAL™ equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to recognize, respond to, and prevent eating disorders within the ranks.

Understanding the direct link between eating disorder prevention and suicide prevention, MEDAL™ helps participants detect early warning signs, offer informed support, and strengthen a culture of care, resilience, and readiness across the force.

What Is MEDAL™?

MEDAL™ (Military Eating Disorder Awareness & Literacy) is an evidence-informed educational program that bridges the gap between military culture and eating disorder knowledge.

Designed for both military-connected and civilian audiences, MEDAL™ helps participants understand the unique relationship between military service, eating disorders, suicide risk, and overall readiness.

Military leaders, service members, veterans, and families gain a deeper understanding of eating disorders, including how to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, support early intervention, and connect individuals with appropriate care.

Healthcare professionals, educators, veteran-serving organizations, and community partners develop greater military cultural competence, allowing them to better understand the unique experiences, barriers to care, and treatment considerations affecting service members, veterans, and military families.

Through research, lived experience, military-specific case studies, and practical application, MEDAL™ equips participants to recognize concerns earlier, respond with confidence, and help ensure no one has to navigate an eating disorder alone.

Why MEDAL™ Matters

Bridges Two Critical Knowledge Gaps

Military communities often receive little education about eating disorders, while civilian professionals may have limited understanding of military culture. MEDAL™ brings these perspectives together to improve communication, trust, and outcomes across both communities.

Connects Eating Disorders and Suicide Prevention

Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, with suicide representing a significant cause of death. MEDAL™ helps participants understand this often-overlooked connection and why early recognition, intervention, and access to care are essential components of suicide prevention.

Strengthens Readiness Through Early Intervention

Eating disorders can affect physical readiness, cognitive performance, decision-making, resilience, and overall force health. By increasing awareness and encouraging earlier identification, MEDAL™ supports healthier individuals, stronger families, and a more resilient military community.

Reduces Stigma and Encourages Help-Seeking

Fear, misunderstanding, and stigma often prevent individuals from seeking support. MEDAL™ promotes informed conversations, compassionate leadership, and a culture where asking for help is recognized as an act of strength.

Improves Access to Appropriate Care

Recognizing an eating disorder is only the first step. MEDAL™ equips participants with practical guidance for responding appropriately and connecting individuals with qualified, evidence-based, and military-informed resources.

Creates Military-Informed Communities

Whether serving in uniform, caring for military-connected clients, supporting veterans, or leading organizations, participants leave with a greater understanding of the unique factors that influence eating disorders in the military community and the confidence to make a meaningful difference.