NY Landmarks Lit Purple for International Epilepsy Day

NY DOH Press Releases 2026

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The New York State Department of Health announced that 16 state landmarks were lit purple on March 26, 2026, for International Epilepsy Day. This initiative honors the estimated 215,000 New Yorkers living with epilepsy and raises awareness for the condition.

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What changed

The New York State Department of Health issued a notice announcing that 16 state landmarks were illuminated purple on the evening of March 26, 2026, in observance of International Epilepsy Day. The lighting event serves to honor the approximately 215,000 New Yorkers diagnosed with epilepsy and the nearly 9,000 new diagnoses each year, aiming to increase public understanding of this neurological condition.

This notice is informational and does not impose new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note the date and the public health focus of the initiative, which highlights the prevalence of epilepsy within the state and the importance of awareness and treatment.

Source document (simplified)

New York State Department of Health Announces State Landmarks to Be Lit Purple for International Purple Day in Honor of Epilepsy Awareness

16 Landmarks to be Lit Purple on Evening of March 26

Lighting Honors the Estimated 215,000 New Yorkers Living with Epilepsy and Nearly 9,000 Newly Diagnosed Each Year

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 26, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health today announced New York State landmarks will be lit purple this evening for International Purple Day in honor of epilepsy awareness.

"Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition impacting more than 3 million people in the U.S., but with greater understanding, early diagnosis and proper treatment, individuals can achieve good seizure control and lead full and healthy lives," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "International Purple Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about epilepsy and support those impacted by this condition."

Epilepsy is a brain disorder resulting in repeated seizures. There are many different types of epilepsy and seizures. More than half the time, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. When the cause can be determined, it is most often due to head injury, infections, a tumor in the brain, a stroke, other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, or genetic factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 215,000 people in New York are living with active epilepsy. Studies suggest that about 9,000 individuals are diagnosed yearly in the State.

Landmarks to be lit include: