Paint It Purple on Friday, May 24 for
National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day
Toronto…April 30, 2013…The Schizophrenia Societiesacross the country are coming together to mark National Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day on Friday, May 24. The theme for this year’s event is Paint It Purple.
On May 24 monuments across the country will light themselves purple in recognition of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, helping the schizophrenia societies ‘paint’ Canada purple, from coast to coast. Confirmed monuments include the CN Tower, Niagara Falls and B.C. Place in B.C.
The public can do their part by wearing purple to work or school, ‘painting’ themselves purple to show their support for raising awareness around schizophrenia and psychosis. Photos of groups and individuals wearing purple on May 24 will be displayed on Individuals are being encouraged to make a donation and raise funds by planning simple events during the month of May in support of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day.
1 in 100 people or 1% of the population in Canada are living with schizophrenia. Approximately 3% of the population will experience at least one episode of psychosis during their lifetimes. With proper treatment and support, individuals and their family and friends can and do live happy, fulfilling lives. Better public education about the illnesses can help encourage early diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
The goal of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day is to increase awareness of schizophrenia and psychosis while reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. Each provincial schizophrenia society will be hosting unique events to recognize the day. The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario will be hosting an Open House, inviting members of the public to visit the SSO’s provincial headquarters in Toronto, where they can learn about the SSO’s programs and services, and hear the stories of individuals and families who are directly affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. The SSO will invite every visitor to place a purple square on one of its walls. Each square will be signed and as more purple squares are placed on the wall, it too will become ‘painted purple’ with the support of everyone pledging to bring awareness to this important cause. Other regional offices of the SSO will host similar events at their offices.
The activities of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day will be profiled on the website as they have been for previous years. New this year are downloadable brochures with information on how groups across the country can generate a fundraising initiative in their community.
The website will also encourage audiences to donate to their local schizophrenia societies by providing links to each provincial website.
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