About
Project HEAL (legal name: Project Heal - Help to Eat, Accept and Live) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making eating disorder treatment accessible. Registered in Washington, DC, with a mailing address in Parkville, Maryland, the organization describes itself as the only national nonprofit focused on removing the systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers that make eating disorder recovery inaccessible to most people. Its tagline: Breaking Barriers. Building Bridges. Saving Lives.
Mission
To break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder healing. Project HEAL's vision is for every person with an eating disorder to have the resources and opportunities they need to heal. Four values guide the work: Equity Matters, Healing is Possible, Your Body is Yours, and We're Better Together.
What they do
Direct services and programs include:
- Treatment Placement — matching people with donated treatment from provider partners.
- Cash Assistance — financial support for treatment-related costs.
- Case Management — helping people navigate care and insurance.
- Meal Support — virtual supported meals.
- BIPOC Community Care — targeted support for communities of color.
- InformED Clinical Training Program, a referral directory, free support groups, an Insurance Resource Hub, and advocacy and research.
Why it matters
Statistics the organization cites: 5.5 million people in the U.S. struggle with a diagnosed eating disorder every year; eating disorders are the second most fatal mental illness, after opioid use disorder; and 77% of people with eating disorders will never receive treatment.
Scale and impact
In its 2025 Impact Report, Project HEAL states that it served nearly 3,500 people across the country and delivered over $9 million worth of care during the year. The organization has published annual impact reports dating back to 2016.
Financials
According to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer (IRS filings), Project Heal - Help to Eat Accept and Live (EIN 26-2614278) reported total revenue of $1,128,344, total expenses of $1,293,810, and total assets of $924,362 for fiscal year 2024, with contributions making up 97.2% of revenue. The IRS issued its 501(c)(3) tax exemption in May 2009.
Governance
Akiera Gilbert serves as CEO. Per the organization's most recent IRS filing, the board of directors is chaired by Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, with more than a dozen additional uncompensated board members. The organization states that its board has participated in trainings on identity, socialization, and bias, and that it prioritizes representation of marginalized groups on its board and staff.