Michigan advocates for the STAR Program held a legislative briefing on Monday, February 23rd. The event featured Judith Banker, AED president, Kathleen MacDonald, EDC and F.R.E.E.D. foundation, Kirsten Haglund Miss America 2008 and her mother Ioara Haglund. Statements were read for the event sponsor Congresswoman Warren and Kelly Klump, fomer AED president who could not be present.

 

The event was well attended 30 people by press and public. Two local television stations shot footage, the Detroit Free Press wrote a story which will be featured in Sunday's paper and the event was profiled in a Lansing paper and a metro Detroit paper.

 

Speakers and advocates highlighted the need for state level parity including eating disorders and urged the state to develop a taskforce addressing the needs of eating disorder individuals and their families. Attendees signed a petition supporting the task force and STAR advocates hope to use this as a future mobilizing tool to make this happen. The paper even got a picture of Kirsten signing it!! There was great energy in the room from participants and attendees alike. STAR state leader, Kristine Tippen, stated: “I truly believe this is the beginning of great things for our state.”

~Lara Gregorio, STAR Program Manager