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Margo WR Steiner
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The Melanoma Foundation of New England (MFNE), a non-profit aimed at reducing the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, today announced the selection of Salem State University as a recipient of free sunscreen dispensers for public use on its campuses. Melanoma, it points out, is rising faster than any other cancer, with one person dying from the disease every 50 minutes. Studies show that with daily sunscreen protection, the risk is preventable.
The university was selected through a January 2016 RFP process. The dispensers will be installed on its North and Central Campus green spaces and will be available for public use by May 30.
According to Kalei Ensminger, nurse practitioner in the university’s counseling and health services, “Having sunscreen readily and easily available on campus for our students, staff and faculty will encourage its use and help people protect themselves from excessive sun exposure and sun burns. With skin cancer being the most common type of cancer, this public health initiative by the Melanoma Foundation of New England will not only help educate our community, but also provide solutions. We are thrilled to have these sunscreen dispensers available to us and look forward to the day that they’re are as common as hand sanitizers.”
The specially designed dispensers 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 dispenser is equipped with four 1000 mL bags of sunscreen, enough for 670 applications, and contains an all-natural blend of 6% zinc and 6% titanium SPF-30 sunscreen, safe for people aged 6 months and up.