Members of the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) will be wearing light blue Autism Awareness-themed patches on their uniforms in April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

Residents can purchase these patches for $12 through retired MIPD detective Pete Erickson at pterickson@hotmail.com. All proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks, which is the largest autism advocacy organization in the United States.

At the April 6 Mercer Island City Council meeting, Mayor Benson Wong will issue a proclamation naming April as Autism Awareness month.