MEDAL™ Training: Eating Disorder Awareness and Suicide Prevention for the Military Community

Tools for Early Identification, Response, and Prevention

In Collaboration With USVETS

About This Training

Eating disorders are among the most overlooked and misunderstood mental health conditions affecting the military community. In military-connected populations, symptoms are often masked by trauma, operational demands, and a culture that values endurance over disclosure. When left unrecognized, eating disorders significantly increase risk for crisis and suicide.

This MEDAL™ training provides military- and veteran-facing professionals with the awareness, language, and practical tools needed to identify warning signs early, respond with confidence, and support prevention efforts across the continuum of care.

Eating disorder prevention is suicide prevention.

About the Collaboration

About USVETS

USVETS’ mission is to successfully transition veterans and their families through a comprehensive continuum of housing, counseling, career development, and supportive services. By addressing complex challenges—including mental health and access to care—USVETS helps veterans regain stability, dignity, and purpose.

About SEA WAVES

SEA WAVES is the nation's first and only organization dedicated exclusively to supporting eating disorders in the military community. It fills a vital gap in military mental health by supporting service members, veterans, and families affected by eating disorders through advocacy, education, and access to resources. We break the silence with compassion and connection, offering tools, hope, and community so no one has to navigate this journey alone.

Together, USVETS and SEA WAVES are committed to strengthening prevention, improving early identification, and expanding culturally informed care for the military community.

What Is MEDAL™ Training?

MEDAL™ (Military Eating Disorder Awareness & Literacy) is SEA WAVES’ signature training program designed specifically for military-connected and veteran-serving organizations.

The training integrates lived experience, leadership insight, and clinical best practices to help participants:

Recognize how eating disorders uniquely present in the military community
Understand the intersection of trauma, military culture, and suicide risk
Respond in ways that reduce stigma and avoid unintentional harm
Apply practical tools for early identification and prevention
Identify appropriate next steps for support and referral

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for:

Mental health clinicians and counselors
Veteran-serving nonprofit staff
Peer support specialists
Case managers and care coordinators
Program leaders and supervisors

Training Format & Logistics

Hybrid Training: In-person and virtual attendance available
Live, interactive session
In-person seating is limited
Catering will be provided for in-person attendees
Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance

Continuing Education (CE) Information

1 NAADAC Continuing Education (CE) credit available
Attendees must meet attendance requirements to receive CE credit

Cost & Registration

No cost to attend
A $25 donation is welcome to support SEA WAVES’ education, advocacy, and prevention efforts
Donations are optional and not required to participate

Please select in-person or virtual attendance during registration.