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Although it is one of the most commonly recognized neurological conditions, in recent years epilepsy recognition has taken a back seat to other conditions. Over 50,000 people in British Columbia are living with epilepsy, and the BC Epilepsy Society both works to support clients, and raise awareness about the condition.

Local inclusion resource teacher and client of the BC Epilepsy Society, Alanna Duffy, spoke to Fort St. John City Council earlier this month about epilepsy in the community. She first became involved with the Society when she reached out for Seizure First Aid training for Alwin Holland Elementary School.

“My school has now received two sessions of Seizure First Aid training,” Duffy said.

During the training, Duffy said they learned that one in ten people, with or without epilepsy will experience a seizure at some point in their life.

“This is why I was happy to learn that they provide free seizure first aid training in schools across BC, as well as BC workplaces and organizations,” she said. “It’s important that people know seizure first aid, in order to help in the event of a seizure.”

Since 2008, International Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness has been the culmination of BC Epilepsy Awareness Month, also known as Purple Month, and takes place on March 26.

In recognition of International Purple Day, the stage in Centennial Park will be lit up in purple on March 26^th.