Rhode Island Brings Back Complimentary Sunscreen Dispensers Provided by Raw Elements at State Beaches and Parks for Its Second Year of Groundbreaking Skin Cancer Prevention Measures
The state remains the first and only in the nation to offer this amenity statewide, now touch-free and COVID-compliant
Providence, RI (July 9, 2020) – Launched last May and seeing over 75,000 uses throughout the summer 2019 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. Available starting on Sunday, July 12, Rhode Island continues to drive sunscreen standards forward as the nation’s pioneering State in skin cancer prevention.
As another preemptive measure made by the State’s government officials to increase the safety of its residents and guests in light of COVID-19, the dispensers have been updated from last year to be touch-free.
These efforts are brought to Rhode Island state by 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 lifelong Rhode Island lifeguard.
“As we continue to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we also must remember to use sunscreen to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “I’m proud that we’ll be offering no-cost sunscreen stations at our parks and beaches again this year. We thank Raw Elements for using new, touch-free dispensers to safely help thousands of visitors take the first step toward preventing skin cancer.”
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.
“We have worked incredibly hard to find the best automatic, touch-free dispensers out there in order to ensure we were able to keep protecting Rhode Island for 2020,” says Brian Guadagno, founder of Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen. “As a longtime Narraganset ocean lifeguard, this initiative is close to home. It feels great to help everyone in the state protect themselves and our oceans.”
Rhode Island is a national leader in driving sunscreen standards. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who authored the Sunscreen Innovation Act to help ensure that U.S. consumers have access to safe and effective sunscreen, stated: “When you head to the beach this summer, we want everyone to have a mask for when they’re in a crowd, and sunscreen to protect from harmful UV rays. I commend the state and all its partners for teaming up to make sunscreen more accessible to all. Sunscreen is proven to help prevent skin cancer and these dispensers help raise awareness, encourage healthy habits, and offer beachgoers free sunscreen to protect themselves.”
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 from Narraganset, RI. While searching for a natural alternative to chemical 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.