Bettendorf Police Department’s New Patch and Apparel Available During National Suicide Prevention Month

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - The Bettendorf Police Department has added an important reminder and message to their uniforms in September that's helping a local nonprofit doing great work in our community.

BPD is partnering with The Gray Matters Collective to raise awareness and money during National Suicide Prevention Month in September. As part of that fundraiser, Code 4 Public Safety Emblems in Davenport designed a brand-new patch that is now available for a $10 donation at the Bettendorf Police Department (1609 State Street). You can also purchase a patch and apparel that showcases the patch from LogoPro in Bettendorf by clicking here until September 20.

100% of the proceeds from the patch and a portion of the apparel sales will go to The Gray Matters Collective:

"We are deeply thankful for the Bettendorf Police Department's support of our mission to advocate for mental health awareness," said Haley DeGreve, CEO/Founder of The Gray Matters Collective. "I firmly believe that the greatest contributions to a nonprofit come from giving your time, talent, and treasure. The Bettendorf Police Department exemplifies this by not only supporting us, but also handling much of the behind-the-scenes work that enables us to serve the community effectively."

"The Gray Matters Collective now serves over 45 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the Midwest," DeGreve continued. "With the funds raised, we aim to expand into more schools in lowa. Additionally, these funds will support our First Responder Gray Matters chapter. This chapter provides local first responders with the tools, resources, and safe spaces they need for their own mental health. This is crucial, as first responder suicide rates are at an all-time high in America."

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AUGUST 1, 2024 - You've seen them sport pink in October and colorful puzzle pieces in April. Now, the Bettendorf Police Department is adding an important reminder and message to their uniforms in September.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and for the first time, BPD is partnering with The Gray Matters Collective to raise awareness and money for this local nonprofit doing great work in our community when it comes to mental health.

To do that, Bettendorf Police has worked with Code 4 Public Safety Emblems in Davenport to design a brand-new patch in addition to their Autism Awareness Patch they released this past April and their Breast Cancer Awareness Patch featured every October that coincides with the Pink Patch Project, a national public awareness campaign.

The Mental Health Awareness Patch features two ribbons - the green ribbon is for mental health awareness and the purple/turquoise ribbon is for suicide prevention. In the center of the patch, there is a symbol of what's popularly known as the "tree brain" - a metaphor describing the different parts of the brain as a tree that has several different functions that all need to work properly to live a healthy life. Surrounding the "tree brain" are the words - "I will listen" and "You are not alone"

GET INVOLVED: BPD is not the only one supporting this cause. Anyone can pre-order a patch for $10 along with apparel that showcases the patch by clicking here. This online store, created by LogoPro in Bettendorf, is open until August 19, 2024 at 10am. Patches will also be available to purchase in September at the Bettendorf Police Department (1609 State Street). 100% of the proceeds from the patch and a portion of the apparel sales will go to The Gray Matters Collective.

"We ask that you join the Bettendorf Police Department in helping us increase awareness of mental health here in our community," said Keith Kimball, Bettendorf Police Chief. "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. 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."