The city of Atlanta and the Deptartment of Parks and Recreation will host a ribbon cutting unveiling the city’s first public sunscreen dispenser in a city park, according to a press release. The event is being hosted by City Councilwoman Carla Smith at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Ormond Grant Park (corner of Grant Street and Ormond Street).
Why is this significant? Rates of melanoma, a very deadly form of skin cancer, are increasing – in fact they’ve grown 7 percent in the last two years in the U.S. Young adults (18-29 years of age) make up one of the fastest growing segments. It is unfortunate though because skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer. Access to and regular use of safe sunscreen is proven to reduce UV damage and skin cancer rates.
By increasing access to sunscreen and awareness of the dangers of excessive UV exposure, a small group of citizens, with support from city reps, are striving to make Atlanta a ‘sun safe city’ and have a direct impact on skin cancer rates throughout the metro area. The goal is to make this the first of many dispensers that get installed throughout Atlanta outdoor public venues.
The dispenser and sunscreen were donated by IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit dedicated to skin cancer awareness and prevention programs.
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