Tuesday, May 21st, 2024, Vancouver, BC—The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by schizophrenia and severe and persistent mental illness, invites businesses and organizations to show their support by lighting landmarks in purple and wearing purple shirts or accessories on May 24th.
National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day is celebrated each year on May 24th to raise awareness for schizophrenia and psychosis symptoms. Schizophrenia affects 1.8% of the population, or slightly more than 1 in 100 people in British Columbia, and 3 out of 100 people in the province are affected by psychosis, with first onset typically in late adolescence or early adulthood.
In honour of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day on May 24th, landmarks throughout British Columbia are set to illuminate in purple. This symbolic act highlights the province’s dedication to mental wellness and its continued support for individuals and families dealing with schizophrenia and severe and persistent mental illness.
By embracing the #LightUpInPurple movement and sharing pictures on social media, we can strengthen and promote understanding while breaking the stigma associated with schizophrenia, psychosis, and other serious and persistent mental illnesses.
On Friday, May 24th, keep an eye out for these landmarks, and more that are lighting up in purple:
- BC Place (Vancouver, BC)
- Bloedel Conservatory (Vancouver, BC)
- New West City Hall (New Westminster, BC)
- Vancouver Convention Centre (Vancouver, BC)
- BC Legislature (Victoria, BC)
- Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge (Vancouver, BC)
- Surrey Civic Plaza (Surrey, BC)
- Science World (Vancouver, BC)
- Victoria Street Bridge (Trail, BC)
- White Rock Pier (White Rock, BC)
- Kelowna General Hospital (Kelowna, BC)
- World’s Largest Hockey Stick (Duncan, BC)
Individuals and organizations can further show support on National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day by wearing purple clothing and accessories, sharing information from BCSS’ social media platforms, and advocating for increased assistance and resources for those affected by severe and persistent mental illness.
Let’s come together to build a more compassionate and inclusive society and ensure everyone receives the care and understanding they deserve. BCSS encourages everyone across the province to snap a photo of these purple landmarks and share it on social media with the tags #LightItUpPurple and #StandAgainstStigma.
In addition to lighting up landmarks, we are pleased to share that BCSS will screen the documentary ‘Insanity: The Mental Health Crisis‘ by director Wendy Hill-Tout and host a panel discussion recognizing National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day on Saturday, May 25, 2024. This event will take place at the Rio Theatre from 12:00 to 2:15 pm. To learn more about this event and get tickets, please click here.
For more information about the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), severe and persistent mental illnesses and psychosis, National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, and/or information on how to donate to support BCSS’ programs and services, visit www.bcss.org.