The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is expanding its program that offers free sunscreen at state park beaches and swimming pools to visitors ahead of National Sunscreen Day on May 27.
The expansion coincides with the launch of the state’s new tourism campaign, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, which coincides with a weeklong RV tour for the Shapiro family, highlighting Pennsylvania’s state parks and tourism industry.
“Thousands of visitors will spend time at state parks this Memorial Day weekend and it is important to remember that protection from potentially harmful ultraviolet rays is key when spending extended time outdoors,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn in a statement. “Thank you to the Department of Health and Impact Melanoma for continued support and expansion of this important program at our state parks. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to make sunscreen a part of their outdoors routine to ensure a fun and safe summer.”
Experts believe that daily application of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher can help prevent skin cancer, which is one of the most common cancers found in Pennsylvania. According to the DCNR, more than 8,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, and one in 40 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime.
The free sunscreen program is available at 52 state parks across Pennsylvania.
Source: www.media.pa.gov