Sun Safe Augusta
Safeguarding Skin Health with Sun Safety Education & Public Sunscreen Access
The Sun Safe Augusta is a community-driven initiative dedicated to reducing skin cancer rates in Augusta, Georgia, through sun safety education, outreach, and improved public access to sunscreen.
Led by the Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma (Improving Melanoma Prevention through Awareness, Care, and Teaching), the program aims to promote awareness about the dangers of UV exposure and empower residents with the tools they need to protect their skin.
Background
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip the Augusta community with the knowledge and resources necessary to prevent skin cancer through education, accessibility, and engagement. By offering free public sunscreen dispensers, conducting community outreach, and providing educational materials, we strive to create a culture of sun safety and reduce the burden of skin cancer and other UV-related skin conditions in our community.
Why It Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, yet it is also among the most preventable and treatable when detected early. In Georgia, melanoma rates continue to rise, with nearly 3,500 new cases expected annually, a trend mirrored in Augusta and Richmond County. Research shows that excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood, is a leading cause of skin cancer.
A survey by IMPACT Melanoma in the Greater Atlanta area revealed key barriers to sunscreen use:
- 53% reported forgetting to apply sunscreen
- 36% were simply “not worried” about it
- 60% said they would use free public sunscreen if available
These findings underscore the need for accessible sun protection and public education.
Focusing on Equity in Prevention
Melanoma and other skin cancers disproportionately affect certain populations. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status and racial or ethnic minorities often face worse outcomes due to delayed detection and reduced access to preventive care. For people with darker skin, melanoma is more likely to appear in less commonly examined areas— such as the nails, hands, feet, and ears—and is often more advanced when diagnosed.
Sun Safe Augusta prioritizes health equity by:
- Expanding access to free sunscreen dispensers in high-traffic public spaces
- Promoting education on self-examinations and early detection
- Encouraging protective behaviors, such as regular sunscreen use and sun-protective clothing
Join Us in Building a Sun Safe Community
Through collaboration, outreach, and accessible resources, Sun Safe Augusta is working to make sun safety a community norm. Together, we can protect our skin, prevent cancer, and create a healthier future for Augusta.
Sunscreen dispenser location
- Augusta Canal Trail
- The Augusta Market on the River
- Community Events
Funding for the Initiative is Provided By
The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) 2024 Grant
The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)
2025 Community Grant
Unite in the Fight Against Cancer 2025 Grant
Community
At Sun Safe Augusta, we believe that community is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to create a safer, healthier environment where everyone can enjoy the outdoors while being mindful of the dangers of sun exposure. Through education, awareness, and collaboration, we empower individuals, families, and local organizations to make informed choices about sun safety.
What We Do:
- Education and Awareness: We provide the latest information on skin cancer prevention, sun safety practices, and early detection.
- Local Partnerships: We work closely with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to spread the message of sun safety.
- Support and Resources: We offer tools, resources, and events that make it easier for everyone in our community to practice sun safety.
How We Do It:
- Practice Safe Skin: Our comprehensive sunscreen dispenser program is designed to raise awareness and provide easy access to sunscreen for the community.
- The Skinny on Skin: A prevention education certification program targeting professionals such as hair stylists, tattoo artists, and nail technicians who are in a unique position to help detect early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Your Skinisin: This program encourages middle school, high school, and college students to protect their skin and avoid tanning beds, promoting healthier habits for the younger generation.
- No Sun for Babies: This program educates parents and caregivers on the importance of protecting infant skin from the sun, ensuring that the youngest members of our community are safe from harmful UV rays.
Get Involved:
We invite you to join our growing community! Whether you're an individual, family, school, or organization, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can create a sun-safe environment where everyone can thrive.
Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media for updates, tips, and community events. Let’s make Augusta a leader in sun safety!
Contact Us
Georgia Cancer Center
Health Sciences Campus
GCC - M. Bert Storey Research Building
(706) 721-0570
If you experience any issues with the sunscreen dispenser, Please report them to: sunsafe@augusta.edu.
Project Members
Project Investigators
Brenda Santellano, MD
- Project Investigator
Jorge Cortes, MD
- Co-PI
Kendall Buchanan, MD
- Co-PI
- Dermatologist
Project Team Members:
Mitchell Hanson
- Student lead, Third-year medical student
Paige Hinkley
- Second-year medical student
Anderson McNeil
- Second-year medical student
Maryclaire Regan, MPH
- Outreach coordinator
Nyree Riley, BS
- Outreach coordinator