: Providence, RI (June 2022) – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen are expanding their skin cancer prevention efforts this summer by deploying more than 70 touch-free sunscreen dispensers throughout The Ocean State for summer 2022.
Through The Partnership To Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, RIDOH has expanded its efforts to include a municipality program this summer that will provide 50 additional Raw Elements sunscreen dispensers to cities and towns within the state. Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Jamestown, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Coventry, Warren, and Westerly will be receiving the dispensers to install at their parks and beaches.
“There are some scary statistics on the prevalence and consequences of skin cancer, but through this winning coalition of caring partners, I am proud to say that the State of Rhode Island will help save lives,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Offering complimentary sunscreen stations at our beautiful parks and beaches and Department of Corrections facilities is an important way we can help people of all ages protect themselves against skin cancer this summer.”
Rhode Island continues to be a leader in skin cancer prevention efforts, sunscreen oversight, and environmental initiatives. US Senator Jack Reed co-authored The Sunscreen Innovation Act and has been a strong supporter of this prevention program. “I commend our community partners for making these free, touch-free sunscreen dispensers widely available to the public. This program is a smart public health service helping prevent skin cancer and reduce public health costs. Offering free sunscreen at parks and beaches helps people protect themselves and means more people can safely enjoy the great outdoors,” said Senator Reed.
The program first launched in 2019 with a combined coalition of RIDOH, The Partnership To Reduce Cancer In Rhode Island, RI State Parks, Department of Environmental Management, South County Dermatology, and Raw Elements providing Mineral Sunscreen to State beaches and parks in the Ocean State with complimentary touch-free dispensers across 20 different sites.
All sunscreen dispenser stations throughout the state will feature signage with key information in English and Spanish and QR codes linked to additional information in Spanish. The sign's design maximizes education, usage, and best sun-safe practices.
