Beacon of HOPE Is One Week Away!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2026
Beacon of HOPE Is One Week Away: Okanagan Clinicians, Therapists, Families and Individuals Living with Bipolar Disorder Encouraged to Attend
A Day of Learning, Awareness & Connection takes place Friday, May 8, 2026, at The Metro Hub in Kelowna
Kelowna, BC — With just one week to go, the Dakota Bipolar Awareness Foundation is encouraging Okanagan clinicians, therapists, counsellors, mental health professionals, caregivers, families, and individuals living with bipolar disorder to attend Beacon of HOPE: A Day of Learning, Awareness & Connection, taking place Friday, May 8, 2026, at The Metro Hub, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC.
This important full-day event is designed to bring the community together for education, awareness, support, and meaningful conversation around bipolar disorder. Running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Beacon of HOPE will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue focused on current research, treatment advances, clinical practice, lived experience, and practical tools for individuals and families impacted by bipolar disorder.
The Dakota Bipolar Awareness Foundation is calling on all Okanagan mental health professionals and those personally affected by bipolar disorder to make this event a priority. For clinicians and therapists, this is an opportunity to hear from respected experts specializing in bipolar disorder, psychiatry, clinical care, and mental health research. For individuals, families, and caregivers, it is a chance to gain knowledge, build connection, reduce stigma, and find hope.“
Beacon of HOPE is about education, compassion, and community,” said representatives from the Dakota Bipolar Awareness Foundation. “When clinicians, therapists, families, caregivers, and individuals living with bipolar disorder come together in one room, we create the opportunity to better understand bipolar disorder, strengthen support networks, and help more people find hope, healing, and the right path forward.”
The featured speaker lineup includes nationally and internationally respected experts in mental health research, psychiatry, and clinical training, including Dr. Leena Chau, Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, Dr. Kamyar Keramatian, Dr. Lesley Lutes, and special guest Dr. Edward H. Taylor.
Together, these featured doctors and specialists will help shine a light on bipolar disorder across the lifespan, offering valuable insight for those working in the field and those personally impacted by the condition.
The event is open to the public and is ideal for individuals living with bipolar disorder, family members, caregivers, mental health professionals, educators, students, employers, and anyone interested in mental health awareness and advocacy. Tickets are $25.
Event Details
Event: Beacon of HOPE – A Day of Learning, Awareness & Connection
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Metro Hub, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
Tickets: $25
Info & Tickets: https://dakotafoundation.ca/events/a-day-of-learning-awareness-connection/
About the Dakota Bipolar Awareness Foundation
The Dakota Bipolar Awareness Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and supporting individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder. Through community events, advocacy, and education initiatives, the Foundation works to reduce stigma and promote understanding, early intervention, and hope.
Media / Event Contact
Brad Krauza
250-899-2112
dakotafoundation.ca