Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Department of Health Cancer Program are Collaborating with IMPACT Melanoma and NRPA to #PracticeSafeSkin on National “Don’t Fry Day”

Through the Installation of Bright Guard Sunscreen Dispensers to Aide in Protecting the Community’s Skin While Bolstering Sun Safety Awareness

Cheyenne, WY (May 21, 2018) – IMPACT Melanoma, a non-profit aimed at providing education, prevention and support for the most serious form of skin cancer, and an active member of the National Council on Skin Care Prevention, is collaborating with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to saturate the nation in sunscreen this coming “Don’t Fry Day,” an annual awareness initiative occurring on Friday, May 25. In response, the Wyoming Cancer Program, which is part of the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), has teamed up with Wyoming State Parks to provide free sunscreen dispensers for public use at state parks and historic sites across the state.

Star Jones, outreach and education coordinator with the WDH Wyoming Cancer Program, said “This is a perfect partnership with Wyoming State Parks. We are able to provide free sunscreen to folks recreating outdoors, whom often forget to bring sunscreen or just forget to put it on before starting their day.”

The bright yellow dispensers will be located at popular beaches, trail heads and visitor centers as a constant reminder to apply and re-apply,” said Lori Hogan, marketing and development manager for Wyoming State Parks.

A recent study from The University of Colorado cited the Practice Safe Skin program as an influencing force behind the proactive decrease in melanoma rates. Melanoma is rising faster than any other cancer with one person every 50 minutes dying from the disease. Studies show that with daily sunscreen protection, the risk of melanoma is preventable.

Specially designed Bright Guard dispensers, which are being purchased and installed across the country, are part of Practice Safe Skin, a program that offers sunscreen as an effective preventive measure to help avoid sun over-exposure year-round. Each sunscreen dispenser is equipped with 4 - 1,000 mL pouches of hypoallergenic broad-spectrum SPF-30 sunscreen (available in four different varieties), safe for people aged 6-months and up. Ingredients are printed on the machines upon installation.

“We’re so pleased to be working with our friends at NRPA, the Wyoming Cancer Program and Wyoming State Parks to raise sun safe awareness and bring safety measures to parks around the country,” said Deb Girard, executive director of IMPACT Melanoma. “It’s imperative that we team together whenever we can to reduce the risk of skin cancer and melanoma. That starts with educated and effective sun safe practices, and together we can all make a great, positive impact on just that.”

“NRPA is proud to collaborate with IMPACT Melanoma on this important initiative,” said Kellie May, NRPA director of health and wellness. “Many people spend time in the sun at their local parks and recreation centers. By making sunscreen accessible at these places we are making a positive difference in the fight against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.”

Photo Credit: Impact Melanoma sponsored Bright Guard sunscreen dispenser

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About IMPACT Melanoma

IMPACT is a national non-profit organization dedicated to working to reduce the incidence of melanoma. Committed to skin cancer prevention and early detection, we provide a variety of award-winning programs which aim to raise awareness and educate the public about skin cancer, as well as support services for those struggling with the disease. To get involved visit:http://IMPACTMelanoma.org/practice-safe-skin/, call 1-800-557-6352 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visitwww.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visitwww.parksandrecreation.org.

About The National Council

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has been a trusted resource for the nation’s skin cancer prevention community since 1998 providing support, encouragement, and connection to more than 45 organizations, agencies, and associations that are making a real difference in the lives of millions of adults, children, and families throughout the country.

   
Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails
A Division of Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources
2301 Central Avenue, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-6323, www.wyoparks.org