Jason MacKenzie of Tampa, Florida
IMPACT Melanoma is proud of the work we do in communities throughout the United States. The following is a conversation with Jason MacKenzie of Tampa, Florida, who solicited information about our sunscreen dispenser units and Practice Safe Skin program, which in turn, put the wheels in motion to get the units dispersed and implemented throughout the city. It’s people like Jason that help us in our quest to raise awareness and extinguish incidences of skin cancer worldwide.
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma?
Jason MacKenzie: I was asked to explore the feasibility of offering free sunscreen to the public at our facilities. The study came about from a City of Tampa Council meeting, in which Councilman Cohen suggested that the City of Tampa offer free sunscreen within our parks and at our playgrounds. It was during my research that I was first introduced to IMPACT Melanoma.
IM: Tell us about your project? What was the scope? What were your goals?
JM: In November of 2016, we launched a pilot program to offer free sunscreen at 12 City of Tampa pools and 9 splash pads. The original concept was to offer a natural SPF 30 sunscreen (that included zinc & titanium) to the public. It turns out that the thick, white, all natural sunscreen was more of a deterrent to use than expected. In May of 2017, we switched to an ECO-Sport SPF 30 clear sunscreen and we have seen a dramatic increase in patron use.
Initially, we purchased what we thought was going to be a one-year supply of sunscreen for our aquatic facilities. Based on current usage rates, our supply should last two years. Our long-term goals are grow the program through sponsorships, potentially offering hospitals, corporations, and civic associations an opportunity to get involved in the program.
IM: What was the process like for you with regard to engaging with IMPACT Melanoma and figuring out the logistics of whether or not this was even possible?
JM: IMPACT Melanoma bid on a proposed program we submitted and was awarded the bid in October of 2016.
IM: How many dispensers did you purchase/install?
JM: We have installed 33 of the 40 dispensers we originally purchased.
IM: Where did you install dispensers?
JM: The dispensers are installed at 12 pools and 9 splash pads around Tampa
IM: What good do you hope comes of them?
JM: We hope that seeing the dispensers makes the public more aware of the damages associated with prolonged sun exposure. They don’t call us the Sun Shine state for nothing.
IM: What is your own personal philosophy in regard to sun safety?
JM: I can honestly say that I’m not the best about putting sunscreen on every time I’m outside. I make sure that my children have sunscreen on, but usually forget to apply it to myself.
IM: What sort of impact does this project leave on your community? How have they been received and what are next steps in assuring that they are properly utilized and taken advantage of?
JM: We saw a large increase in usage during the summer months and have received positive comments on social media and at the locations from individuals using the sunscreen.
IM: What’s your battle cry sound like with regard to getting surrounding communities in your area, and across the globe, to adopt a similar proactive approach to helping combat skin cancer with these dispensing devices?
JM: We don’t have an official “battle cry” for sunscreen use, but as a department, we have policies for our staff regarding sunscreen and our parents’ guide includes suggestions for applying sunscreen to children before dropping them off at camp.
