2024 Sunscreen Dispenser Program
Thank you for applying to this year’s Sunscreen Dispenser Program. Applications have now closed. Recipients will be notified early May.
2023 Sunscreen Dispenser Program
Vermont’s community sunscreen program, as part of the Skin Cancer Taskforce, which first launched in 2018 in 18 Vermont State Parks and 8 municipal locations continues to gain momentum with additional community park and recreation sites scheduled for free sunscreen dispenser stations, thanks to the collaborative efforts of VTAAC, Dartmouth Cancer Center, and IMPACT Melanoma, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to melanoma prevention and early detection.
Of the 27 sites that applied for sunscreen dispenser installations, the 12 selected are as follows:
- City of Barre’s Rotary Park – Municipal Pool
- City of Rutland Recreation and Parks – White Memorial Park & Pool
- Paran Recreations, Inc. – Lake Paran, North Bennington
- Retreat Farm, Ltd – Farmhouse Square entrance, Brattleboro
- Rutland Town Recreation – Northwood Pool
- Spectrum Youth and Family Services – St. Albans Drop-In Center
- St. Albans Recreation – Hard’ack Recreation Area
- Town of Brattleboro Recreation & Parks – Living Memorial Park
- Town of Bristol Recreation Department – Bristol Recreation Field
- Town of Castleton – Crystal Beach
- Town of St. Albans – St. Albans Bay Park
- Village Improvement Society, Inc. – Powers Park, Lyndonville
The purpose of these free sunscreen stations is two-fold: to provide easy access to SPF 30 sunscreen as well as remind Vermont residents and visitors that sun protection is critical to their optimal health and sun safety is in their hands — quite literally.
Vermont has the second highest incidence rate of melanoma in the U.S. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds is a major risk factor for developing melanoma.
Sunscreen Dispenser Program Survey Brief
To understand the implementation and effectiveness of the program, a survey was sent to all 12 sunscreen dispenser recipients. The sunscreen dispensers were well received and convenient. Modeling the application of the sunscreen by site staff, such as lifeguards, encouraged the use of the dispensers and sun safety behavior by community members.
The full survey results brief can be found here.
Social Media / PR Toolkit
Sun Safety for Kids
Click on images and right click to download.
Post these images as a carousel on social media with the caption: “Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk for #skincancer later in life, but there are steps you can take to protect them. Visit Vermont Department of Health for more information.”
6 Tips for Sun Safety
Click on images and right click to download.
Post these images as a carousel on social media with the caption: “Vermont has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the U.S. However, most skin cancers can be prevented. Follow these tips to be sun smart when playing and working outdoors. Visit Vermont Department of Health for more information.”
Sunscreen Dispensers from Selected Sites
