Members of the Bettendorf Police Department will be sporting another new awareness and support patch on their uniforms in September. This one is in support of National Suicide Prevention Month.
Previously, Bettendorf police have sported pink police patches in October for Breast Cancer Awareness and worn patches adorned with colorful puzzle pieces in April for World Autism Month.
Now the Bettendorf Police are partnering with The Gray Matters Collective to raise awareness and money for that local nonprofit that does “great work in our community when it comes to mental health,” the department said in a news release.
The police department once again worked with Code 4 Public Safety Emblems in Davenport to design the Mental Health Awareness Patch. It features two ribbons: a green ribbon for mental health awareness and a purple/turquoise ribbon for suicide prevention.
In the center, there is a symbol of what’s popularly known as the “tree brain.” It’s a metaphor used to describe the different parts of the brain whose roots and branches have several different functions, all of which need to work properly to live a healthy life. Surrounding it are the words “I will listen” and “You are not alone.”
How public can help
In addition to wearing the patch themselves, police also are encouraging community members to do so. To pre-order a $10 patch go to www.bettendorf.org/PatchStore. Also available for sale are a number of apparel items that showcase the patch.
The online store, created by LogoPro in Bettendorf, is open now but will close at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19.
Patches also will be available to purchase in September at the Bettendorf Police Department, 1609 State St. All proceeds from patch sales and a portion of the apparel sales will go to The Gray Matters Collective. It was founded by Haley DeGreve, who was one of the QCBJ’s inaugural Women of Influence in May.
“We ask that you join the Bettendorf Police Department in helping us increase awareness of mental health here in our community,” Bettendorf Police Chief Keith Kimball said in the release. “Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to overall wellness. Many people struggle with mental health issues and we want people to know they are not alone, and we are here to listen and offer support.”
He added: “Mental health should not be stigmatized, as it does not define a person, and we encourage those to seek assistance as there is no shame in asking for help. If you are having trouble coping you can call Your Life Iowa 24 hours a day, every day at (855) 581-8111 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.”
