Shining a Light on Pulmonary Hypertension This May 5
Every year on May 5, people around the world come together to observe World Pulmonary Hypertension Day (World PH Day)—a day to honor the strength of the global PH community, raise awareness of this life-threatening condition, and push for progress in research, care, and access to treatment.
In 2025, World PH Day continues to build on this momentum, with Canadians uniting under the “Paint Canada Purple” campaign. Landmarks across the country will be illuminated in periwinkle purple, echoing the resilience of those living with pulmonary hypertension and sending a message of hope and urgency from coast to coast.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)?
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious and incurable lung disease that causes dangerously high blood pressure in the lungs. This condition forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries, often leading to enlargement of the heart and right-sided heart failure if left untreated. While it can affect anyone, PH is most common in adults aged 20–60—but children and seniors can also be impacted.
How You Can Get Involved on May 5
This year’s World PH Day is packed with opportunities to make your voice heard and drive real change. Here’s how you can take part:
1. Raise Awareness
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Paint Canada Purple
Request your local landmarks be lit up in periwinkle purple, and encourage your city to proclaim May 5 as World PH Day. Templates for illumination and proclamation requests are available to help you get started. -
Tell 5 for May 5th
Share the facts about pulmonary hypertension with five people—and challenge them to do the same. This ripple effect can help drive earlier diagnosis and greater understanding. -
Post & Share on Social Media
Amplify the message by using hashtags #WorldPHDay and #TimeMattersPAH. Share official posts from @PHA Canada, or upload your own stories and videos to help personalize the message. -
Share Your Story
Whether you’re living with PH or know someone who is, personal stories matter. Tell your followers why PH awareness is important and tag @PHA Canada so your voice is part of the conversation.
2. Advocate for Change
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Join an Advocacy Event
Be part of in-person events in Winnipeg or St. John’s where PHA Canada supporters will meet with local leaders to advocate for funding and improved access to treatments—especially the newly approved therapy, sotatercept. -
Sign the Advocacy Letter
In just two minutes, you can send a pre-written letter to policymakers asking for public funding of life-saving PH medications. [Sign here] -
Write to Your MP
Share your experience or concern directly with your Member of Parliament or provincial health minister. First-hand stories can drive policy change and investment in rare disease care.
3. Support Through Fundraising
Living with PH is a daily battle, and support can’t end on May 5. Become a monthly donor to provide year-round help for education, advocacy, and community programs.
Want to do more on World PH Day? Ask five people in your network to donate and help grow a stronger support system for all Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Last year, Canada saw 23 landmarks lit purple and 7 official proclamations issued. PH advocates gathered on Parliament Hill to speak directly to policymakers about the challenges faced by Canadians living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These conversations continue to shape the future of rare disease treatment in Canada.
📖 Read: The Socio-Economic Burden of PAH
🎧 Listen: PHaware Podcast with Dr. Jason Weatherald
📹 Watch: Patient ambassadors Jane & Jennifer share their PH journeys
Every Action Counts
Whether you’re raising awareness, sharing your story, advocating for policy change, or donating to support PH initiatives, you are helping create a better future for the PH community.
🗓️ Mark your calendar for May 5
📲 Share using #WorldPHDay & #TimeMattersPAH
💜 Let’s make pulmonary hypertension impossible to ignore