North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced that the Town has again partnered with North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center to provide free sunscreen at town parks this summer.
The SPF 30 sunscreen, donated by NSUH and LIJ to help combat a rise in skin cancer diagnoses, can be found in yellow dispensers at more than a dozen town facilities throughout North Hempstead.
“Many cancers are preventable with behavioral changes and skin cancer is a perfect example,” said DeSena. “Something as simple as sunscreen can save lives in the long run, so it makes sense for us to have it readily available when you need it at a park. We’re fortunate to have good neighbors like Northwell who feel the same way.”
“Long Island Jewish Medical Center is pleased to offer free sunscreen through the Town of North Hempstead,” said Dr. Mathew Foley, medical director at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. “It underscores our commitment to community health and wellness as we encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer. We hope that this initiative continues to inform residents about the importance of preventative skincare.”
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
The organization also notes that having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the use of broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day and 30 or higher for extended outdoor activity.
Dr. David Hirschwerk, medical director at North Shore University Hospital, stated, “North Shore University Hospital is a proud sponsor of free sunscreen for Town of North Hempstead parkgoers this summer.
“Our world-class team of dermatologists advocate prevention when it comes to skin cancer awareness and properly applying sunscreen is the primary way to protect yourself when in the sun. We thank Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, the Town Board and parks department for their continued proactive approach to health and wellness.”
Free sunscreen will be available for patrons at the following parks:
- Manhasset Valley Park, Manhasset
- Mary Jane Davies Green, Manhasset
- Whitney Pond Park, Manhasset
- Clinton G. Martin Park, New Hyde Park
- Michael J. Tully Park, New Hyde Park
- Ridder’s Pond Park, New Hyde Park
- Blumenfeld Park, Port Washington
- Manorhaven Beach Park, Port Washington
- Harbor Links Golf Course, Port Washington
- North Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington
- Caemmerer Park, Albertson
- Broadway Park, Garden City Park
- Harbor Hills Park, Great Neck
- Martin “Bunky” Reid Park, New Cassel
- Charles J. Fuschillo Park, Carle Place
Residents can visit northhempsteadny.gov/sunscreen to find this list of sunscreen dispensers locations or to learn more about the Town’s Wellness Wednesday series with Northwell Health.
