History

History of SEDOP

In 1999, local physician, Steven Polansky, approached Mercy Healthcare about the issues of eating disorders treatment and prevention in the greater Sacramento region. At that time, resources were limited, primarily to individual, nutrition and medical therapy on an outpatient basis. Due to Dr. Polansky’s personal experience with finding treatment for and understanding his own daughter’s illness several years prior, he felt a compelling desire to provide additional resources for families, educators and professionals in the community.

Thanks to his persistence and passion, the Sacramento Eating Disorders and Outreach Program was formed in 2003. The program provided prevention lessons, free of charge, to students in grades 3 through 12, as well as professional development opportunities to clinicians throughout Northern California. Most importantly, the program acted as a clearinghouse of information and referrals for families, friends and those struggling with an eating disorder. Without the generous support of the program’s following founding members, the original “SEDOP” would never have been possible:

Dee Hartzog, JD
Kathleen Montgomery, Mercy Women’s Center
Gail Maduri, Mercy Women’s Center
H. John Shaw, III, Mercy Foundation
John Mesic, MD, Sutter Health
Keri Thomas Cavner, Sutter Health
Jim & Suzie Simas
John Frisch, Cornish & Carey Commercial
David Taylor, David Taylor Interests

Following the success of the prevention, professional development and resources program, the board of directors chose to accept the offer to merge with Summit Psychotherapy Associates in May 2004. Summit, an intensive outpatient treatment program for eating disorders founded by Tony Paulson, Ph.D., had successfully provided services to individuals in need since August 2000. With the merger came an opportunity to expand all components of both organizations: prevention and education, professional development and networking, and treatment for individuals and families in need. One of the most rewarding results of the merger was the creation of the SEDOP Scholarship Program, which provides treatment funding for individuals who are either uninsured or receiving MediCal and would otherwise be unable to afford treatment. The Treatment Scholarship is the only program of its kind in the United States.