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Episcopal Health Services Partnership Provides Free Sunscreen to Rockaway Beaches

Far Rockaway, New York, June 4, 2025 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is proud to continue its partnership with the New York City Parks Department and IMPACT Melanoma to provide free sunscreen for Rockaway residents and visitors. For the third consecutive summer, EHS is the sole sponsor supporting the maintenance of sunscreen dispensers along the Rockaway boardwalk.

“Melanoma of the skin is one of the top 10 most common cancer cases in the Rockaways, and Queens has the highest incidence rate in all of New York City,” said Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services. “By making sunscreen available to those enjoying the boardwalk and beach this summer, we hope to limit exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun and lower the community’s risk of developing melanoma.”

Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services discussed the importance of using sunscreen at the Rockaway Beach opening.
Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services discussed the importance of using sunscreen at the Rockaway Beach opening.
Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services (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.
Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services (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.

“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and access to sunscreen is a critical step in protecting our community,” said Donald. T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of Episcopal Health Services. “We are proud to support this initiative with IMPACT Melanoma to ensure Rockaway residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable summer.”

The 2025 sunscreen program was announced at an event on Friday, May 23, where city officials, representatives from EHS, the NYC Parks Department and community partners marked the unofficial start to the summer and the opening of the beaches for the season.

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

Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services stands by one of the sunscreen dispensers EHS is providing to Rockaway beachgoers in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma.
Shoni Rozenberg Seide, DO, FAAD, Associate Dermatology Program Director at Episcopal Health Services stands by one of the sunscreen dispensers EHS is providing to Rockaway beachgoers in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma.
Members of Episcopal Health Services Population Health team provided blood pressure screenings and on-spot provider appointments to attendees at the event.
Members of Episcopal Health Services Population Health team provided blood pressure screenings and on-spot provider appointments to attendees at the event.

“Impact Melanoma is grateful for Episcopal Health Services’ commitment to providing sunscreen protection to the Rockaway community,” 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.