Good Samaritan and Suffolk County Unveil Free Sunscreen Dispensers at County Golf Courses
In conjunction with Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland (D-Dix Hills), Catholic Health Services has assisted in establishing a free sunscreen dispenser program at all four Suffolk County golf courses, including Bergen Point Golf Course in West Babylon, West Sayville Golf Course in West Sayville, Timber Point Golf Course in Great River and Indian Island Golf Course in Riverhead, at no cost to Suffolk County residents. Look for the sunscreen dispensers, sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and St. Charles Hospital, before you tee off.
This innovative public health initiative is designed to protect Suffolk County residents from the dangers associated with sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and melanoma. More people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined over the past 30 years. Each day, nearly 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer and an estimated one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer over their lifetime. Melanoma is the second most common cancer among individuals aged 15-29. The melanoma rate is rising at epidemic levels; an estimated 3% annually, making it the fastest growing form of cancer. A 2017 survey of New York State residents found that 53% of those who don’t wear sunscreen fail to do so because they simply forget and up to 85% of respondents will use free public sunscreen if it is available.
“Too often residents don’t wear sunscreen because they simply forget to bring it with them,” said Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland. “This skin cancer and melanoma prevention project provides free sunscreen to golfers in order to protect them from the dangers of the sun. As a skin cancer survivor, I encourage all our golfers to use sunscreen and I am proud to have brought this initiative to the County. I am grateful to Legislator Steven Flotteron for securing the generous sponsorship of this program by Good Samaritan, St. Catherine and St. Charles.”
“While everyone enjoys a day of fun in the sun at one of our pristine County golf courses, health and safety remain a top priority,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “I want to thank Legislator Berland for championing this new program, which will go a long way in ensuring all of our residents and visitors alike are protected with sunscreen.”
Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron said: “I am glad to have been able to secure Good Samaritan Hospital as a sponsor for the new Sunscreen Dispenser Program being brought to (21) Suffolk County Parks and Beaches. Using sunscreen is an important step in preventing skin cancer. Having these convenient dispensers in areas where residents will be exposed to dangerous UV rays will encourage good habits with no cost to taxpayers.”
Justin Jaycon, Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, said: “We are blessed to have some beautiful county parks and beaches in Suffolk County, but it’s important to take the proper safety precautions while you’re enjoying them. Good Sam is proud to join St. Catherine and St. Charles in partnering with Legislators Berland and Flotteron to provide sunscreen to keep our community safe.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin cancer Facts and Statistics.” 2017. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
IMPACT Melanoma. “Facts About Melanoma and Skin Cancer.” 2017. http://mfne.org/facts-about-melanoma-and-skin-cancer
IMPACT Melanoma. “Hub Cities Sunscreen Use: NYC Baseline Study.” April, 2017.
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