Kimberly A. S. Merchant, MA, a Research Associate in the Department of Health Management & Policy in the College of Public Health and member of the Obesity Research and Education Initiative, received funding from the University of Iowa Office of Outreach and Engagement to conduct a statewide needs assessment of eating disorder programs and services in Iowa. The funding is associated with the University of Iowa’s Theme Semester “Food for Thought,” which provides opportunities for teaching, engagement, and learning both on campus and throughout the state of Iowa. Ms. Merchant will be reaching out to healthcare providers, families, and patients (past/present), as well as interested community members across the state to determine what about eating disorder programs in Iowa is working and what can be improved. Please see this   for more information on being part of this project.