AWARD YEAR
2023
CATEGORY
Body
GOALS
Good Health & Well-being
KEYWORDS
eating disorders, mental illness, virtual treatment, healthcare products
COUNTRY
United States of America
DESIGNED BY
Kristina Saffran and Dr. Erin Parks
WEBSITE
https://equip.health
Equip
Virtual care and treatment for eating disorders
How does it work?
Equip offers family-based treatments to patients and their families at home. A dedicated 5-person team is allocated to each family, consisting of a peer mentor, family mentor, physician/psychiatrist, therapist and dietitian.
Why is it needed?
Research shows that people who've received family-based treatment are more likely to recover. Also, traditional treatment often sends patients away from home, disrupts family routines, and is costly. Equip's treatment is accessible, affordable, and fits around the family, instead of the family fitting around the treatment. Equip believes, that virtual care also frees up time to pursue healthy activities and care for relations.
How does it improve life?
According to Equip, 5 million Americans will develop an eating disorder this year. And since the pandemic started, eating disorders are up 70%. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses and it affects all social groups.
Currently, the product has rolled out in 40 American states and works with 10 major commercial health insurance companies, as well as with Medicaid.