“A Day in the Life of a Longhauler”: Using Photography as a Tool for Long COVID Awareness
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Year 2024Type Reach Awards
- Principal investigator Kaylee Byers
- Co-lead(s) Viviane Gosselin, Museum of Vancouver
- Host institution Simon Fraser University
- Research location Other, Simon Fraser University – Burnaby Campus
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Team members
- Viviane Gosselin, Museum of Vancouver
- Esther Khor, Post-COVID Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network
- Viet Vu, Post-COVID Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network
- Rackeb Tesfaye, Simon Fraser University
- Kayli Jamieson, Simon Fraser University
- Rhien Hare, Simon Fraser University
- Gladys We, Simon Fraser University
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Partner(s)
Pacific Public Health Foundation
3.5 million Canadians (9% of the population) experience Long COVID symptoms. Every Canadian knows someone affected, whether it is a mild or disabling case, impacting family, friends, and communities. Many patients and the people who provide care for them have identified the need to increase awareness and recognition of Long COVID in Canada. Our project addresses this community-identified priority by using photography to showcase the visible realities of this ‘invisible illness’ in British Columbia.
“A Day in the Life of a Longhauler” is a photography exhibition co-produced and presented at the Museum of Vancouver that will display photos taken by Longhaulers (people with Long COVID) to highlight their daily lived experiences. To guide visitors through the exhibition, accompanying text integrated throughout the photo collection will provide information and resources about Long COVID. Opportunities for museum visitors to document their own experiences and feedback on the event and in the exhibition space will also be provided.
By using a community participatory arts-based approach we will promote education and informed discourse surrounding Long COVID to reduce shame and stigma, empower patient voices, and advocate for support.