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:

  1. 1WTC
  2. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (starting at 9pm)
  3. Kosciuszko Bridge
  4. The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  5. State Education Building
  6. Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  7. Empire State Plaza
  8. State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  9. Niagara Falls
  10. The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  11. Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
  12. Albany International Airport Gateway
  13. MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  14. Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  15. Moynihan Train Hall
  16. Roosevelt Island Lighthouse