In partnership with The Victoria Police Department we are pleased to reveal the 2024 Patch Program. This program entails a series of patches that can be purchased and collected by the public.
The goal is to raise public awareness around key health issues impacting the community while demonstrating the police department’s commitment to serving and protecting citizens’ overall wellbeing.
Each month a new color embroidered patch representing the month’s health awareness cause, will be available for purchase for a $10.00 donation. There are 15 patches in this collection.
Many resources and references were researched such as fundraisingforacause.com to guide our decision in the patch color and awareness associated with them.
See attached 2024 Patch Program poster for full view of the collection. Patches are available while supplies last.
Proceeds will go towards supporting future health initiatives, research, and a benevolence fund for the men and women of the Victoria Police Department.
Order yours today by emailing vpdpatchprogram@victoriatx.gov
Glaucoma Awareness Patch
January
Available now
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to your eye's optic nerve and gets worse over time. If damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues, glaucoma will cause permanent vision loss. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years. Three million people are affected by this disease.
Heart Awareness Patch
February
Available now
This program attempts to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans.
National Kidney Month Patch
March
Available now
National Kidney Month was established by the National Kidney Foundation to help spread awareness of kidney disease and ways it could be tested for and prevented, with so many Americans in danger of contracting kidney disease from high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of the same. Kidney disease is so prevalent that it’s the 9th leading cause of death in the United States.
Autism Awareness Patch
April
Available now
The Puzzle Piece has become an internationally recognized symbol of power, strength, hope, and unity for those affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The puzzle piece was first introduced in 1963 by the National Autistic Society as part of their logo. The Puzzle Piece symbolizes the complexity of ASDs and reminds us that we are all interconnected.
Mental Health Awareness Patch
May
Available now
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of Mental Health issues worldwide and mobilize efforts to support mental health.
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Patch
May/June
Available now
May 15 to June 15 is Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. The movement aims to raise awareness of the condition and inspire the Tourette’s community. Involuntary twitches, movement, and sounds are all examples of Tourette’s tics. Join us in making a global impact and helping to make a difference together.
Scoliosis Awareness Patch
June
Available now
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally to the side. Although it is relatively common, it impacts people of all ages, races, and genders.
Sarcoma Awareness Patch
July
Available now
A yellow ribbon represents sarcoma or bone cancer. There are several types of bone cancer. Sarcoma can affect the bones or the connective tissues in the body, such as the cartilage or myofascial tissue.
Meningitis Awareness Patch
August
Available now
This is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges. The inflammation from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck. A viral infection causes most cases of meningitis in the United States. But bacteria, parasites, and fungi also can cause it. Some cases of meningitis improve without treatment in a few weeks. Others can cause death and require emergency antibiotic treatment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Patch
September
Available now
Prostate Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in men worldwide.
1 in 8 US men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer incidence increases with age: the older you are, the greater your chance of developing it.
Although only 1 in 456 men under age 50 will be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to 1 in 54 for ages 50 to 59, 1 in 19 for ages 60 to 69, and 1 in 11 for men 70 and older. Nearly 60% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
Lymphoma Awareness Patch
September
Available now
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease.
The two primary types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). They occur in both children and adults.
Breast Cancer Awareness Patch
October
Available now
For nearly four decades now, the country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.
Diabetes Awareness Patch
November
Available now
November is annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, a chronic health condition affecting millions worldwide.
This month-long campaign aims to educate the public about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and management. National Diabetes Month also serves as a platform to support individuals living with diabetes, their families, and healthcare providers.
Alzheimer’s Awareness and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Patch
November
Available now
Alzheimer’s is common and cruel, robbing people of their memories, thoughts, and identity over many years. Across the nation, this epidemic is growing: In the next 30 years, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to reach nearly 14 million.
The American Cancer Society estimated in 2023 for Pancreatic Cancer in the United States was:
Unfortunately, approx. 50,550 people (26,620 men and 23,930 women) will die of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US and about 7% of all cancer deaths. It is slightly more common in men than in women.
Aplastic Anemia Awareness-
December
Available now
Aplastic Anemia is a non-cancerous disease when the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells. The body makes three types of blood cells:
- red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin and deliver oxygen to all parts of the body
- white blood cells, which help fight infection
- platelets, which help blood clot when you bleed
With aplastic anemia, there are insufficient stem cells in the bone marrow to make enough blood cells.
In about 75% of all cases the cause is unknown.