Sun Life representatives with John Oliver

Halton Healthcare (HHS), thanks to a $60,000 gift from Sun Life Financial, has announced the launch of the Multi-Family Group Therapy (MFGT) program, an innovative form of eating disorder treatment.

“We have a large stake in the health of our communities and we give priority to innovative programs that address health needs,” says Linda Mackenzie, Director, Philanthropy at Sun Life Financial. “Halton Healthcare’s new Multi-Family Group Therapy program does just that, in an effective and empowering way and we are proud to be able to support such a significant initiative.”

“The Multi-Family Group Therapy program will give these children and teens a better chance to enjoy a full adolescence and minimize the impact and emotional costs on families. It may also help reduce the burden on the healthcare system,” says Alison Colavecchia, Regional Coordinator for the Central West Eating Disorders Program. “We are truly grateful to Sun Life Financial for providing the means to make this option available within Oakville and the Halton Region.”

Eating disorders are complicated illnesses that often leave professionals and families frustrated and at a loss. The MFGT is an intensive form of treatment designed to meet the more intensive needs of children and adolescents and their families who are coping with an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa and complement other programs currently offered.

MFGT is a new treatment option that has been recently developed in England. It provides a more time intensive and emotionally charged form of family intervention than traditional family therapy. MFGT aims to help families rediscover their own resources by emphasizing ways in which parents can regain control of their child's deteriorating health. The sharing of experiences and the heightened dynamics of the multiple families working together are critical components of the treatment. Clinical experience and results from pilot studies are promising and suggest that MFGT may be very effective in engaging even very ill patients in treatment.

“Sun Life Financial is a leader in philanthropic giving as well is in health insurance. They are a great example of how a corporation can partner with the community for the benefit of all,” notes Allen Wightman, Executive Director of the Oakville Hospital Foundation. “Because of this gift, our community will now have access to a program close to home and this would not have been possible any other way. On behalf of the children, their families, friends and our healthcare team, we thank you.”