Problem

Ninety percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. And although early detection and treatment will cure most skin cancers, preventative measures can safeguard present and future generations from developing the disease. There is a great deal that communities can do to protect its citizens from unwanted sun exposure

The Gift

We will provide SunSmart Community packets to people who want to get involved in making their towns sun-safe. This gift will provide 5 community leaders SunSmart Community awareness packets which contain sample letters for getting sun-safety legislation enacted on a local and state level; information on shade structures and trees; how-to information on organizing a skin cancer screening; tips to incorporate sun protection in schools and more. Packet materials include information about how shade structures can be built over playgrounds, to protect children from the sun’s harmful rays, how trees can be planted in parks to provide shady spots and ways that schools can adopt sun-safety curricula. This gift provides community leaders the tools and resources to make a real difference and to play an active role in protecting their community from skin cancer.