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AAD program helps to bring sun protection to soccer spectators
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Five new shade structures were dedicated on May 1, Melanoma Monday, at Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to provide sun protection for soccer spectators.
The structures were made possible by a donation from the Arkansas Foundation for Skin Cancer in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology’s Shade Structure Program.
“It is fitting that on Melanoma Monday, a day dedicated to awareness of the most serious form of skin cancer, these shade structures are being dedicated,” Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, stated in a news release from AAD. “Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers and seeking shade is a simple way to reduce your risk of skin cancer.”
The shade structures were installed over soccer field bleachers, where more than 300 fans each week are expected to gather during the 9-month soccer season, according to the release.
The Arkansas Foundation for Skin Cancer donated funds to the AAD for the installation of shade structures.
“When the Arkansas Foundation for Skin Cancer was closed, we wanted to ensure that the remaining funds were gifted in the state of Arkansas for skin cancer prevention,” said board-certified dermatologist Scott Dinehart, MD, FAAD, co-founder of the AFSC, stated in the release “The AAD’s Shade Structure Program was the best way to utilize these funds in our home state, helping completely shade the remaining soccer field bleachers at the soccer complex and allowing children and parents to enjoy outdoor activities while protected from the sun’s dangerous UV rays.”
Shade structure grants have been awarded by the AAD to schools and non-profit organizations in the United States in order to provide sun protection for children and adolescents. Since its launch in 2000, the program has awarded 350 shade structure grants, which provide shade for more than 600,000 individuals each day, according to the release. The program is part of AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer campaign.
Reference: www.aad.org