Episcopal Health Services Sponsors Free Sunscreen Dispensers along the Rockaway Boardwalk.

Far Rockaway, New York, May 26, 2023 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS), in partnership with NYC Parks Dept. and Impact Melanoma are excited to support a free sunscreen program for Rockaway residents and visitors. Episcopal Health Services is sponsoring fourteen sunscreen dispensers on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk to safeguard the health of residents and visitors by reducing their exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. This initiative aims to lower the risk of developing melanoma.

The sunscreen program was announced at an event on Friday, May 26 where city officials and representatives from Episcopal Health Services and IMPACT Melanoma ushered in 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. Sunscreen will be provided at all NYC beaches this summer but this is the only beach that is being supported by a community partner. EHS’s sponsorship will support the maintenance of the dispensers throughout the summer season.

“Episcopal Health Services is proud to support NYC Parks and Impact Melanoma in this important community initiative,” says Jerry Walsh, CEO, of Episcopal Health Services. “As the Rockaways only hospital, the health and wellness of our community is our number one priority. By making sunscreen available to those enjoying the boardwalk and the beach this summer, we hope to limit exposure to harmful UV rays and ultimately decrease the risk of developing melanoma.”

IMPACT Melanoma, Executive Director Deb Girard said, “In 2022, IMPACT reached over 3.3 million people with Practice Safe Skin, the free community sunscreen program. The use of sunscreen along with hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses is your best bet for limiting the harmful rays of the sun. She added, “Almost all skin cancer/melanoma is almost totally preventable with good sun protective behavior.”

This program supports EHS’s commitment to the prevention and treatment of cancer within the Rockaway Communities. In early 2024, EHS will be opening a new comprehensive cancer care facility across from St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. When completed, this center will bring state-of-the-art cancer care closer to home for Rockaway residents.