Touch-Free Sunscreen Stations

Complimentary natural sunscreen stations at state parks and beaches

Rhode Island Leads In Skin Cancer Prevention As First State In The Nation To Offer Statewide Complimentary Natural Sunscreen Stations

In a leading effort to protect its residents from skin cancer, the Ocean State has brought back public natural sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches and parks this summer.

These efforts are brought to Rhode Island state by RI Governor Gina Raimondo and US Senator Jack Reed, Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Rhode Island-based South County Dermatology and Raw Elements USA®, a certified natural sunscreen company founded by a long time Rhode Island lifeguard.

Launched in 2019 and seeing over 75,000 uses throughout the summer season, Rhode Island's groundbreaking and effective statewide initiative of offering complimentary, environmentally-safe sunscreen dispenser stations provided by Raw Elements USA®, a certified natural sunscreen company, at all State Beaches and Parks is being brought back for the 2020 summer season. The dispensers have been updated from last year to be touch-free.

Released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in May 2020, only 25% of 1,300 SPF products offer adequate protection and do not contain worrisome ingredients. With 20% non-nano zinc oxide as its sole active ingredient, Raw Elements has been rated a leading sunscreen option by the EWG for the past nine years and meets the FDA's proposed rule on sunscreen ingredients GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective).

Overexposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. By making natural sunscreen readily available throughout the State, the Ocean State is helping its millions of sun-seeking residents and visitors take the first step in reducing their risk of developing skin cancer while educating on the harmful effects of chemical sunscreen on the ocean and its marine life.

The complimentary sunscreen initiative is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, through a federal Comprehensive Cancer Control cooperative agreement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (NU58DP006291-03-00), as well as by investment from South County Dermatology and Raw Elements.

Sun safety is a priority in Rhode Island at both the State and local level in Rhode Island. For the past six years, the Rhode Island Department of Health's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has worked diligently with state and local parks and recreation partners to improve utilization of sun safe behaviors among outdoor workers, beach-goers, and recreational athletes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skin Check skin cancer screening series will not take place during the summer of 2020. Visit the RI Department of Health's website for recommendations to keep yourself and your family safe when spending time in the sun. Talk to your provider about getting your annual skin cancer screening.

ABOUT RAW ELEMENTS USA

Raw Elements USA®, a certified-natural, environmentally-safe sunscreen company, was developed by Brian Guadagno, a 25+ year Ocean Rescue Lifeguard. While searching for a natural alternative to chem-ical sunscreens, Brian determined that one did not exist and felt a responsibility to find a solution. Raw Elements is the conscious consumer's answer to serious sun protection. Its mission is to create the safest, most effective sunscreen on the planet, using all-natural ingredients. Their products are Non-GMO verified, cruelty free, safe for all ages, broad spectrum SPF 30+, water resistant (80 minutes) and top rated by the EWG for eight years in a row. The Raw Elements team continues to create the most trustworthy sun care products that are focused on sustainability, responsibility and education.