Skip to Main Content
Find a Physician Make an Appointment Services

Episcopal Health Services Partnership Brings Free Sunscreen to Rockaway Beaches

Far Rockaway, New York, May 24, 2024 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is pleased to announce its continued partnership with New York City Parks Department and IMPACT Melanoma to support a free sunscreen program for Rockaway residents and visitors. EHS is the sole sponsor for NYC beaches, supporting the maintenance of sunscreen dispensers along the Rockaway boardwalk throughout the summer season for the second consecutive year.

“Melanoma of the skin is a serious issue facing the Rockaway community,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, Episcopal Health Services Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer. “Our hope is that by providing sunscreen to those spending time on the boardwalk and beach this summer, we can help reduce exposure to harmful UV rays and consequently lower the risk of melanoma in our community.”

Pictured with NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Renee Hastick-Motes, Episcopal Health Services Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer (left) stands by one of the sunscreen dispensers EHS is providing to Rockaway beachgoers in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma.
Episcopal Health Services Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer Renee Hastick-Motes (sixth, right) announced EHS’ partnership with IMPACT Melanoma to provide sunscreen dispensers at Rockaway Beaches when she joined NYC Parks Department personnel, city officials and New York City lifeguards in celebrating the opening of beach season.
Renee Hastick-Motes, Episcopal Health Services Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer discussed the risk of melanoma and the importance of using sunscreen at the NYC Parks annual beach opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 21.

The sunscreen program was announced at an event on Tuesday, May 21 where city officials, representatives from Episcopal Health Services, the NYC Parks Department and others marked the unofficial start to the summer and the opening of the beaches for the season.

The sunscreen dispensers are part of a program offered through IMPACT Melanoma, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to melanoma prevention and early detection.

“We are so fortunate to have partners like Episcopal Health Services in supporting our sunscreen program and making cancer prevention accessible to everyone,” said Deb Girard, executive director of IMPACT Melanoma.

By continuing this partnership, EHS aims to enhance public health and safety for all beachgoers in the Rockaways.

About Episcopal Health Services

Episcopal Health Services Inc., (EHS) is a health system located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. The system provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse, and medically underserved Rockaways and Five Towns populations. The system provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services, regardless of their ability to pay.