IMPACT Melanoma Sun Safety Station Unveiling at Boston City Hall Plaza
When:
Thursday, Aug 22, 2019 11:00a -
1:00p
Thursday, Aug 22, 2019 11:00a -
1:00p
Where:
City Hall Plaza
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02203
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Innovation, Social Good
Event website:
www.impactmelanoma.org
Did you know Massachusetts has 5 percent skin cancer diagnoses, higher than the national average of 4.3 percent, and even higher on Cape Cod, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Health of America Report for 2016? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and more than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma.
IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing skin cancer diagnoses across the country, is teaming up with the City of Boston, Brigham Health and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to launch a new sun safety station on Thursday, August 22 from 11am - 1pm at City Hall Plaza. The sun safety station is equipped with four multi-facing sunscreen dispensers, a shade inducing umbrella, and storage for backup sunscreen and applicable supplies. Skin cancer prevention information will be provided at the launch along with music, balloons and other giveaways. Representatives from City Hall, as well as Brigham and MGH dermatologists will be in attendance.
“Boston was the first city in the country to progressively engage IMPACT Melanoma’s ‘Practice Safe Skin’ program, which has been adopted by 42 states,” said IMPACT Melanoma’s Executive Director, Deb Girard. “We’re thrilled to see expansion of the program throughout Boston, with the help of Brigham Health and MGH.”
Fifteen sunscreen dispensers are currently available at locations around Boston, including Boston Common, the Public Garden, municipal golf courses and boat houses. Updated skin cancer prevention display boards will also be installed for those existing sunscreen dispensers. The new fleet of 35 additional mobile sunscreen dispensers will also be made available for deployment at various public events next summer.
"I am proud to see this important program implemented in more parks and areas throughout Boston, and excited to see other municipalities make sun safety more accessible to residents," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh of Boston. "This collaboration with IMPACT Melanoma, Brigham Health, and MGH is crucial to protecting residents and visitors, and making sure everyone can have fun and stay safe in our parks and public spaces."
Working in conjunction with Brigham Health and MGH is imperative to IMPACT’s goal of widespread safe skin awareness and the goal of preventing skin cancer diagnoses around the state.
“It’s important for the public to know about the damaging effects of ultraviolet light from the sun,” said Thomas Kupper, MD, chair of Brigham Health’s Department of Dermatology. “Whether you work outdoors or indoors, or spend your lunch break outside, or even walk to and from work, applying sunscreen to your face and neck should be a daily routine. Not only does this reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it slows the aging process in your skin that is exposed to sun. These sunscreen dispensers around the city provide a wonderful service. It just takes a minute to stop, use sunscreen and protect your skin.”
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that more than 9,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day.
“Sunscreen dispensers like these can help us safely enjoy our public spaces and outdoor events throughout the summer and into early fall, said David Fisher, MD, PhD, chief of the MGH Department of Dermatology. They also serve as a visual reminder to the public that sunscreen use is important all year-round – no matter the season.”
The sunscreen dispensers will be available for public use through early October 2019. The program will resume in the spring of 2020 on National Melanoma Monday, May 4, 2020, through continued support from Brigham Health and MGH.
"This expanded program will educate and empower Boston residents and visitors to practice sun safety," said Boston City Councilor Matt O'Malley. "I was proud to have spearheaded the first implementation of sunscreen dispensers, and look forward to seeing them installed at many more locations around the City of Boston."
