Throughout the month, officers will replace their traditional department patches with purple versions as part of a communitywide effort to raise awareness about mental health and support the emotional well-being of young people.
For the Minersville Police Department, the campaign is about more than changing the color of a uniform patch. It is about helping students feel comfortable speaking up, asking for help and knowing that members of their community are ready to listen.
“The purple patches and commemorative shirts are more than just symbols,” Police Chief Jeff Bowers said. “They represent a commitment to opening conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and reminding our students that they are not alone.”
Members of the public will also have an opportunity to take part in the initiative.
Commemorative purple Minersville Police Department patches will be sold for $10 each. They will be available in advance at the police department and during Minersville’s home football game on September 24.
Every dollar raised through the patch sales will be donated to the Aevidum Club at the Minersville Area School District. The club works to promote kindness, acceptance, mental health awareness and suicide prevention among students.
The message will also be visible along the sidelines during the September 24 game. Members of the Minersville football coaching staff will wear commemorative shirts supporting the initiative.
A limited number of those shirts will be available for fans to purchase at the game on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the heart of the campaign is the belief that caring for the mental health of local students is a responsibility shared by the entire community. Parents, teachers, coaches, police officers, classmates and neighbors can all play a part in making sure a young person does not feel as though they must face a difficult time alone.
Sometimes that support begins with something as simple as asking someone if they are OK, and taking the time to listen to the answer.
By partnering with the Aevidum Club, the Minersville Police Department hopes to strengthen its relationship with local students while encouraging honest conversations about mental health.
Those attending the September 24 football game can support the Minersville football team, purchase a patch or shirt and help the Aevidum Club continue its work with students.