In a recent article addressing the on-going issues at Acadia Healthcare, I referenced an event hosted by “Renewed, Eating Disorders Support” based in Tennessee. The co-host and presenter was Acadia Healthcare.

Even though I did not name the presenters, I did note the keynote talk was entitled, “Adventures in Treating Eating Disorders: Sharing Wisdom from a Cumulative 75 years of Practice.” 

I was recently contacted by one of the presenters of the keynote. She asked some very direct, poignant questions, questioned the reasons behind the inclusion in the article of that particular talk and why not others. She came across as a strong, intelligent, direct professional. She did what very few people in the community have had the courage to do.

She immediately gained my respect.

And after reviewing the article and the points raised by her, I concluded I was in the wrong.

So, to Ovidio Bermudez and Reba Sloan, the co-presenters of that keynote talk, I extend my deepest apology and hope that you can accept it.

I have personally known Ovidio for a few years. For that matter, who doesn’t know Ovidio? He is a giant in the community. I have had the privilege of sitting down with him on more than one occasion in social settings. We have discussed cigars, chess, our granddaughters, fishing and life in general. My respect for Ovidio is immense.

Reba, I have not met. But she did something that very few people in the community have had the courage to do.  She reached out to me directly and engaged with me in a professional, no-nonsense communication. She told me about her background and how hard she has been fighting for people suffering.  She explained why the article should not have included the talk. She was 100% correct.

When I investigated further, I discovered that Reba is the co-founder of the Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee/Renewed… the host of that event. And clarity became even greater. Reba was fighting for and defending that which she brought into the community… as any good founder would.

Ovidio and Reba are not connected with Acadia Healthcare. They were presenting at an event where Acadia was listed as the primary sponsor and presenter. My inclusion of the title of their presentation was obviously not thought through well enough.

I will certainly not make any excuses for this lapse in judgment.  I believe that proffered excuses only diminish the sincerity of an apology.

And so, apologies. No excuses. No attempts to explain or cast a better light. Simply …

My apology.