Catholic Health Partners with IMPACT Melanoma and New York State Parks to Promote Sun Safety

Catholic Health announced today its partnership with IMPACT Melanoma and New York State Parks to provide free public sunscreen dispensers featuring SPF 30+ sunscreen. As part of this initiative, dispensers will be available at Heckscher State Park in Great River and Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park, in recognition of Melanoma Awareness Month.

As of May 26, 2025, the dispensers will be strategically installed near playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields to ensure easy access for visitors to the Long Island state parks. The partnership is part of Catholic Health’s broader initiative to promote skin cancer awareness on Long Island by providing free access to sunscreen at all Suffolk County parks and beaches.

“Public sunscreen dispensers are simple, powerful and potentially lifesaving tools,” said Jason M. Golbin, DO, MBA, MS, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Catholic Health. “Skin cancer is common but preventable, and Catholic Health is dedicated to increasing access to preventive care for Long Islanders.”

This effort addresses an important public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control, overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

“We are thrilled for our expanded partnership with Catholic Health,” said George Gorman, Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Long Island Region. “This program is great for the health and safety of our park visitors.”

For more information on services offered at Catholic Health, call (866) MY-LI-DOC or visit www.chsli.org.