While pink may not be something you’d expect to see on a CDCR uniform, correctional staff statewide are donning pink patches to fight breast cancer.
During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, uniformed Correctional Officers are authorized to wear approved pink patches. The move shows support for breast cancer awareness, according to the 2020 Uniform Handbook.
Each institution chooses a nonprofit organization to support by selling pink patches. Proceeds from CDCR staff statewide then go to support nonprofits helping find a cure for breast cancer.
Ironwood was first to join Pink Patch Project
In 2017, Ironwood State Prison (ISP) became the first CDCR institution to join the global Pink Patch Project. The effort involves hundreds of partner law enforcement agencies throughout the world raising funds for scientific research while boosting awareness.
The driving force behind joining the movement was ISP Sgt. Amanda Johnson. After losing her grandfather to cancer, she realized an agency as large as CDCR could make a real difference in supporting cancer research.
Thanks to the support of Warden Neil McDowell, a patch was designed. Then, ISP chose to support the Blythe Cancer Resource Center.
Interest spread, and soon institutions statewide began joining the cause. Today, CDCR institutions offer pink patches and other items to officers, their families, and friends.
It’s all part of the effort to raise funds and awareness to fight cancer.
“As custody staff, we go to an academy to prepare us for what may happen inside the prison. But, the real battles are often fought at home,” Johnson said. “You can never prepare yourself to find out you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. So, working for a department that cares about its employees and their families is one of the best feelings.”
Patches must be removed from uniforms by Nov. 1.
For more information, visit pinkpatchproject.com.
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