The Postal Service is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed nationally every October, by highlighting its semipostal research stamp.
The Breast Cancer Research stamp is available year-round on usps.com and has raised more than $86 million since its debut in 1998.
Sales of the semipostal stamp help raise breast cancer research funds for the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense’s Medical Research Program.
As postal facilities across the nation begin to host breast cancer awareness events, employees are reminded to follow Postal Service rules and regulations.
The USPS Ethics Office has issued new guidelines regarding promotional activities, which include the approved breast cancer awareness T-shirt and restrictions on using the semipostal stamp image.
Spending on these events should be kept to a minimum, because promotional expenses must be deducted from the money raised from the sale of the Breast Cancer Research stamp.
“Every year, employees promote this important stamp with enthusiasm and creativity, but we must also do it responsibly,” said Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Mike Elston. “Following the guidelines will help us maintain our trusted brand, keep our employees out of trouble, and stay focused on delivering for the American people, which is smart business.”