Last Updated: May 27, 2021
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Sun exposure is the major risk factor for developing skin cancer, but sun protection with sunscreen has been shown to cut the risk of skin cancer in half.
Two Pennsylvania Medical Society members – Dr. Christie Regula and Dr. Justin Vujevich – are making a difference in their community. In 2016, the two dermatologists founded Sun Smart Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization that provides free, sensor-automated sunscreen dispensers with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to schools, parks, and community events.
To date, Sun Smart Pittsburgh has installed nearly 30 dispensers in Pittsburgh public parks and surrounding community parks. The program has also partnered with The Pittsburgh Melanoma Foundation to supply sunscreen dispensers for their annual 5K race and to honor/memorialize individuals who have battled skin cancer.
Each year, they aim to expand the number of dispensers in the community through their grant program, which allows community members to apply for a dispenser funded by Sun Smart Pittsburgh to be installed in the community. To apply for this program and/or to inquire about having a dispenser provided for an outdoor event, you can visit https://www.sunsmartpgh.org/get_involved.