Sun Safe Year Round

Why Sun Safety Matters

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States — and much of it is preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the primary cause of most skin cancers. Even in cooler months or at higher altitudes, UV rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes.

Colorado’s high elevation and sunny climate mean we are exposed to stronger UV radiation year-round. Communities in rural and mountain areas may face higher risks due to increased outdoor work and recreation. Practicing sun safety every day — not just in summer — can help protect your skin and prevent skin cancer. (Source: CDC – Sun Safety, Sun Exposure at work) 

What is the Project?

Our Sun Safe Year-Round initiative promotes sun protection habits through education, interactive tools, and community resources. We focus on reaching diverse communities across Colorado with bilingual materials and presentations to make sun safety accessible for everyone.

We use three main strategies:

1. Education and Outreach
   • We provide bilingual (English/Spanish) presentations on sun safety for schools, workplaces, community groups, and events across Colorado. Topics include:
   • Understanding UV radiation and its effects on skin
   • Tips for protecting your skin year-round
   • How to perform regular skin self-checks
   • Myths and facts about sunscreen
     
2. UV Camera Demonstrations
   • Our UV camera is a powerful educational tool that shows hidden sun damage on a person’s face — damage that might not yet be visible to the naked eye. Seeing the impact of UV exposure can be a powerful motivator for people to adopt better sun protection habits.
     
3. Sunscreen Dispenser Project
   • We provide free public sunscreen dispensers to help communities and organizations make sun protection easy and accessible.
   • Dispensers are great for parks, pools, outdoor work sites, schools, and events.
   • Organizations can sign up to request a dispenser for their location. If you would like for your community to have one, as well, feel free to fill out the form.
   • Click here to request a sunscreen dispenser
     

Who is It For?

The Sun Safe Year-Round program is available to:

• Schools, community organizations, and workplaces across Colorado
• Event organizers who want to promote sun safety at gatherings
• Anyone in the community interested in learning more about UV safety
  

How Does It Work?

Education: Contact us to schedule a bilingual presentation or invite us to an event.

UV Camera: We bring the camera to your site or event to provide interactive demonstrations.

Dispenser Program: Submit an online request form; we’ll review your application and coordinate delivery.

How Much Does It Cost?

All educational presentations, UV camera demonstrations, and sunscreen dispensers are offered free of charge to eligible Colorado communities and organizations.

How Do I Sign Up?

To schedule a presentation or UV camera visit: Fill out this form here.

To request a sunscreen dispenser: Submit your request here

If you would like to see if a provider near you, check out our resource map here.

Learn More

CDC – Sun Safety

EPA – UV Index

What You Need to Know about Sun Safety – transcript

Skin Cancer Foundation – Prevention Guidelines

Sun Exposure at Work