Solutions
MEDAL Training
Military Eating Disorder Awareness and Literacy
Overview
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 is a comprehensive, evidence-informed training that blends clinical expertise with firsthand military experience. It delivers culturally competent education tailored to the unique demands of military life — including fitness standards, operational pressures, and identity challenges.
Through interactive sessions, case studies, and real-life examples, participants gain practical strategies to identify concerns before they escalate, initiate supportive conversations confidently, and connect service members with vetted resources for care and recovery.
Why MEDAL Matters
• Advance Readiness and Resilience
Eating disorders and suicide are readiness issues that can affect morale, performance, and cohesion. MEDAL empowers participants to recognize early indicators and promote overall well-being.
• Break the Silence
Stigma and lack of awareness often prevent service members from seeking help. MEDAL promotes understanding, open dialogue, and compassionate leadership.
• Build Military-Informed Providers
For clinicians and healthcare professionals, MEDAL enhances cultural competence by providing insight into military structure, language, and barriers to care — improving trust and treatment outcomes.
• Support Total Force Wellness
By emphasizing proactive mental health, body neutrality, and balanced fitness, MEDAL reinforces the message that wellness is integral to readiness.
Who Should Attend
MEDAL™ is designed for anyone committed to supporting the health, readiness, and well-being of the military community, including:
Military leaders, commanders, and senior enlisted leaders Command Fitness Leaders (CFLs), Unit Fitness Program Coordinators (UFPMs), and Human Performance teams Military healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, registered dietitians, and primary care teams Chaplains, resilience teams, prevention specialists, and peer supporters Military family readiness personnel and military family support professionals Veteran-serving organizations and nonprofit leaders Eating disorder treatment centers and mental health organizations Substance misuse prevention and recovery organizations Suicide prevention professionals and crisis response teams Educators, researchers, and academic institutions Community partners serving service members, veterans, and military families Anyone seeking to better understand the intersection of military culture, eating disorders, and suicide prevention
Training Options
MEDAL™ offers flexible training formats to fit the needs of diverse organizations and installations. Sessions are available on-site at bases and commands or virtually through Zoom or Teams. Continuing Education and Certification pathways are also available for healthcare and mental health professionals.
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Do you have questions or need support? Don’t hesitate to reach out – our team is here to help and would love to hear from you!