Woodburn lit up in blue and green in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
On Feb. 23, 2016, Woodburn, the governor’s official residence in Dover, Del. was lit up in blue and green in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, an annual campaign sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families.
The theme of the association’s 2016 campaign is “3 Minutes Can Save a Life: Get Screened. Get Help. Get Healthy” which focuses on early detection and intervention. As part of the campaign, the association has partnered with Screening for Mental Health, Inc. to develop a confidential online eating disorders screening which takes as little as three minutes to complete, and from which participants can learn if it’s time to seek professional help.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. According to Claire Mysko, the association’s interim chief executive officer, “eating disorders can hide in plain sight and frequently go undiagnosed until someone’s health is at significant risk. These are life-threatening bio-psycho-social illnesses, not a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s time to get beyond the stigma and stereotypes and recognize the diverse experiences of people affected by disordered eating. Early intervention is a critical first step toward ending this epidemic, and everyone who is struggling deserves to be able to access help without delay to provide them the best chance possible of full recovery.”
In support of the campaign, Gov. Jack Markell noted, “”Too many people suffering from these disorders, suffer in silence. Bringing awareness to disordered eating is vital to support these individuals and their families to overcome their challenges and thrive.”
Located at 151 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., Woodburn is one of Delaware’s most historic homes and an outstanding example of late-18th-century Georgian architecture. The house was built in 1798 by Charles Hillyard, III (1759–1814), a fourth-generation Delawarean from a family of affluent landowners who were frequently active in the governmental, social and economic life of Kent County. Woodburn has served as the home of Delaware’s governor since it was purchased by the state in 1965. It was listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has been responsible for the care and conservation of Woodburn since August 2009. The division’s charge includes repair and maintenance of the building; design and upkeep of the property’s garden and horticultural displays; and furnishing of the home.
