October is known for fall weather and Halloween but it is also known as for advocacy efforts surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and World Mental Health Day (WMHD)
Pink, purple and green highlight the colors of the awareness initiatives. Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, Purple for Domestic Violence and World Mental Health Day, although green is the color for the international symbol for World Mental Health Day.
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as (BCAM).
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here.
Credit: YouTube Screenshot
During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change, according to the website of Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPSA).
A Woman’s Place is holding a candlelight vigil next Tuesday in Doylestown at the Bucks County administration building and October 17 is Purple Thursday in which advocates and supporters wear purple, and share why they are wearing purple or who they wear it for as part of the events on tap for DVAM
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organizations, and communities.
It is estimated 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder at any point in time. Depression and anxiety are estimated to cost the global economy US $1 trillion each year driven predominantly by lost productivity. People living with severe mental health conditions are largely excluded from work despite participation in economic activities being important for recovery, according to the World Health Organization
Credit: W.H.O.
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