Don’t miss the official opening of the Boston Common Frog Pond as we celebrate the ongoing success of IMPACT Melanoma’s Practice Safe Skin program.
Celebrating 5 years of Practice Safe Skin
For the fifth year in a row, we have teamed up with the City of Boston and the Dermatology experts of Mass General Brigham in order to spread the word about sun safety, specifically by calling attention to the free automatic sunscreen dispensers located in and around Boston.
“Boston was the first city in the country to progressively engage IMPACT Melanoma’s ‘Practice Safe Skin’ program, which has been adopted by 47 states,” said IMPACT Melanoma’s Executive Director, Deb Girard. “We’re thrilled to see the expansion of the program throughout Boston, with the help of our friends at Mass General Brigham’s Departments of Dermatology. This marks our fifth year of collaboration, and I couldn’t be happier with the impact we’ve made and will continue to make.”
The sunscreen dispensers can be found in 28 city-wide locations, including the Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, and Jamaica Pond. Boston residents and visitors can also take advantage of a Sun Safety Station located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, as well as LL Bean beach boxes at Heights and Revere beaches.
Why practice safe skin?
If you need convincing, here are some facts about the importance of sun protection:
- 1 person dies of melanoma every hour.
- Melanoma is the 2nd most common form of cancer for young people, aged 15-29.
- 30% of all melanoma in men occurs on the back.
- The incidence of melanoma is rising faster compared to any other cancer.
- The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that more than 9,000 people in the U.S are diagnosed with a form of skin cancer daily.
Fortunately, there is something everyone can do to protect themselves and decrease their chances of developing melanoma.
“Applying sunscreen to protect ourselves from excessive sun exposure should be a daily routine in the summer months,” said Thomas Kupper, MD, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “For anyone participating in outside activities during the summer, sunscreen remains a practical and accessible way of protecting against skin cancer. The sunscreen dispensers are a great way to encourage the residents of Boston to practice sun safety.”
Are people in Boston really practicing safe skin?
We’re delighted to report that yes, our Practice Safe Skin program is, indeed, making an impact.
Reports from 2021 show that more than 63,000 people took advantage of the sunscreen dispensers and we anticipate even greater numbers as we review the data year over year.
So, on that note..
Let’s have some fun at the Frog Pond!
Hop into summer with us on Tuesday, June 27 at 11 AM, followed by the official opening of the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool, which will remain open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day.
Our celebration will feature giveaways, activities and crafts, Zinnia Sun Shades, and a visit from the New England Patriots’ cheerleaders!
We would like to thank Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods, and The Skating Club of Boston for facilitating this exciting event and supporting sun safety for our Boston area communities.
To learn more about Practice Safe Skin, please visit www.impactmelanoma.org
