Stony Brook University has introduced a new program to emphasize the importance of sunscreen use among its students. Annalea Trask, program coordinator for Cancer Prevention In Action at the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, and Kerri Mahoney, director of the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), have spearheaded this initiative in response to growing concerns about skin cancer.
Mahoney noted that student interest in skin cancer prevention led CPO to offer free sun safety kits containing sunscreen and sunglasses. However, more comprehensive measures were deemed necessary. “Several students, including some all-star medical students, were looking into getting Stony Brook University certified as a sun safety campus, which requires free sunscreen to be available on campuses,” said Mahoney.
The Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement received a grant from the NYS Department of Health to support local skin cancer prevention efforts. This grant facilitated the installation of free sunscreen dispensers across campus. “One of the initiatives [in the grant] is the placement of sunscreen dispensers in key areas on campus to increase access to sunscreen and encourage sunscreen use in outdoor spaces on campus. We are proud to launch this initiative in support of our mission to increase skin cancer prevention at Stony Brook University,” explained Trask.
Currently, two dispensers are operational—one located in the CPO office and another in the Walter J. Hawrys Recreation Center lobby. Plans are underway for additional dispensers at other prominent locations such as the Student Activities Center and Stony Brook Union lobbies.
The dispensers provide SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen from Sunstation USA, described as all-natural, eco-friendly, and reef-safe. The program’s initial phase will last one year, with plans for reassessment afterward based on usage data collected by peer educators who will monitor dispenser refills.
“We hope that coupled with continued educational efforts, the availability of free sunscreen in high traffic areas of campus will support students in reducing their skin cancer risk,” Mahoney stated.
Further information about skin cancer prevention can be found on the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement’s website.
