County Executive Bellone and Catholic Health Unveil Free Sunscreen Dispensers at County Parks and Beaches

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Catholic Health and a number of County Legislators and local officials to unveil a free sunscreen dispenser at Gardiner County Park, just 1 of 20 dispensers located at various County parks and beaches.

This innovative public health initiative, spearheaded by former Legislator Susan Berland and Legislator Kara Hahn back in 2018, is designed to protect Suffolk County residents from the dangers associated with sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and melanoma.

“Spending the day visiting our beaches and County parks in the summer is a way of life here on Long Island, but it is critical that we remain aware of the dangers that the sun poses to our health,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I want to thank Catholic Health for their continued efforts to keep the residents of Suffolk County safe, by ensuring everyone has access to sunscreen while enjoying some fun in the sun.”

Good Samaritan Hospital COO John McMurray said: “Catholic Health and Good Samaritan Hospital encourage all reduce your risk of UV exposure and skin cancer by using an appropriate level of sunscreen and protection. Our partnership with Suffolk County in its initiative to provide sunscreen at all County parks and golf courses will continue to keep our communities safe and healthy during the summer season!”

In 2019 Catholic Health donated the supplies necessary to run the program for the 2019 through 2021 summer seasons. Catholic Health has once again graciously provided roughly $5,000 to cover the cost of sunscreen and new dispensers for the next 3 years.

Free sunscreen dispensers are available at the following locations: