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2025 Sun-Safety Community Projects Sunscreen Request

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Many types of skin cancer cannot spread (metastasize) to other organs, but some types of skin cancer are deadly. The deadliest form of skin cancer is called melanoma. Iowa has the 5th highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country, and our rates are growing faster than other states. (source)

Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and indoor tanning beds. By preventing sunburn and not using indoor tanning beds, we can greatly reduce our chances of developing skin cancer.

In an effort to promote sun-safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Melanoma Program will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer! Along with sunscreen, awarded projects will educate the community about the risks of UV exposure and ways they can prevent skin cancer.

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin tone or whether their skin tends to tan or burn. Learn more about skin cancer and sun-safety on our blog.

Documents

Questions?

Reach out to Liz Orton at [email protected] or [email protected].

High School Sun-Safety Infographic Contest Winners!

1st Place: Cole, Wilton Jr/Sr High School, Wilton, IA

2nd Place: Griffin, Mid-Prairie High School, Wellman, IA

3rd Place: Hayley, North Mahaska High School, New Sharon, IA

Eligibility Criteria

  • Anyone can apply for sunscreen for their community event, location, or organization! Common examples are:
    • Child Care Centers
    • City Pools
    • County Fairs
    • Day Camps
    • Hospitals
    • Local Public Health Departments
    • Outdoor Community Events
    • Towns that are stops on the 2025 RAGBRAI course
  • Awardees must be a member of the Iowa Cancer Consortium. Learn about membership options.
  • For one-day events, a minimum of 100 people must be reached and the event must be held for 3 hours or more.

Timeline

March 24. 20252024 Sun-Safety Community Project Sunscreen Request announced.
April 28, 2025
(11:59pm Central)		Applications due to [email protected].
May 7, 2025Recipients announced via email.
May 26, 2025Project period begins.
September 1, 2025Project period ends.
September 15, 2025Final reports due.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is the sunscreen?

The sunscreen comes in a 1-gallon jug with a pump. You can request up to 3 gallons.

Can I request smaller a sunscreen size?

Unfortunately, the 1-gallon jugs are the most cost effective way for us to provide the most sunscreen. Many partners choose to purchase smaller containers, like disposable condiment cups with lids, if it fits their needs better.

What are the sunscreen ingredients?

The specific sunscreen we provide varies from year to year based on availability and price. It will be at least SPF 30, broad spectrum, and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. The specific ingredient list is available upon request by emailing [email protected].

We're using smaller containers for our sunscreen. Do you have labels we can use?

Yes! Here is a template that can be printed on Avery 18294 Easy Peel Return Address Labels. Download Label Template

Can we print additional signs or stickers?

Yes! We will mail awardees at least one laminated sign and enough large stickers to go on each gallon of sunscreen. If you require more, you can use these files: