Promoting Awareness for the Pink Patch Project

Each October, the color pink is front and center to raise awareness for the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women: breast cancer. Beginning in 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month became a time to educate women about breast cancer and early detection. Through the years, a number of campaigns have been designed and promoted in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, allowing survivors and those fighting cancer to share their stories and raise awareness. One of these is the Pink Patch Project.

The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort among more than 390 public safety agencies throughout the nation that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatments. Our own Prescott Police Department proudly dons pink patches on their uniforms each October, participating in the project in an effort to remind the public of the importance of early detection and the essential work that must be done to find a cure. Beginning in 2018, and following the diagnosis of two officer’s wives, Prescott Police Department began participating in the Pink Patch Project and donated funds raised to the two families and the Breast Care Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. This is a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of each and every employee of the department and the city.

In 2020, the project was impacted by COVID restrictions, so we are all happy to have the opportunity to safely get back out and promote the Pink Patch Project once again this month. In order to raise funds for YRMC’s Breast Care Center, the department will be offering the patches to the public at the police station as well as various city buildings beginning Oct. 1. Additionally, department staff will be visiting locations throughout the community and setting up a table with patches, pink swag and awareness information for citizens. A full schedule of events is available on the Prescott Police Department website: prescott-az.gov/services-safety/police/.

The Prescott community is an excellent example of coming together to support each other and worthy causes. With that in mind, I encourage all of our citizens to visit these events and purchase a patch. The Police Department’s goal is to sell out the patches and all swag in order to make a generous contribution to the Breast Care Center. Attending these events is also a wonderful opportunity for the community to engage with our incredible officers and police staff, who truly embody their tag line “As always, if you need us, we will be there.” QCBN

By Greg Mengarelli, QCBN

Greg Mengarelli is the mayor of Prescott.