Pink Patches for cancer awareness

This October, the Yale Police Department (YPD) will again participate in the Pink Patch Project. A public awareness campaign, the Pink Patch Project is designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support research organizations. Police departments nationwide participate in this yearly event, creating and wearing their patches, some even fundraising.

As part of this effort, the YPD also supports research by selling the pink patches for $10 each. In the past two years, they raised over $2000 for Smilow Cancer Hospital. The entire department also wears the pink patches on their uniforms throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Three years ago, Officer Cody McGinnis read about the Pink Patch Project, initially started by the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California in 2013. He wanted to get the YPD involved and found leadership to be very supportive. Together with Horwitz Uniform Services, YPD Leadership and Officer McGinnis came up with the current patch design. Over the past two years, the YPD has sold hundreds of patches. Those interested in buying the $10 patch can email Officer McGinnis at cody.mcginnis@yale.edu. He will arrange for a delivery or drop off. As in the past, all proceeds will go to Smilow Cancer Hospital.

“This event has taken on a life of its own. Everyone looks forward to changing uniforms in October. Last year, we even wrapped one of the squad cars in pink to raise awareness. We hope to do the same this year,” said Officer McGinnis.