As the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) wraps up a highly successful three-year run of its community outreach campaign, Play Safe in the Sun, the organization recently earned the 2011 American Academy of Dermatology’s Gold Triangle Award in recognition of its efforts to raise public awareness of dermatologic issues through this program. This prestigious honor represents the fifth national award given to the WDS for its educational outreach efforts since 2004.
Play Safe in the Sun promotes sun safety awareness and skin cancer prevention through free skin cancer screenings and public education at professional golf and tennis tournaments. Play Safe in the Sun accomplished the following results in 2010:
- WDS members contributed 400 volunteer hours through eight outreach events and activities around the U.S.
- 65 volunteers participated in skin cancers screening and educational outreach events, included 31 dermatologists.
- 311 free skin cancer screenings were provided by the Board-certified dermatologists.
- 35 percent of people screened were referred to a dermatologist for further diagnosis/biopsy of suspected cancers.
- 600 sun damage assessments were conducted using UV reflectance camera.
- 75,000 samples of free broad-spectrum sunscreens were given to the public.
- Public awareness was raised through a series of public service announcements that aired on the Golf Channel and through various social media platforms, featuring WDS President Lisa Garner, M.D. (2010-2011), Iowa dermatologist Marta VanBeek, M.D., and sun safety ambassador and Duramed FUTURES Tour player, Ryann O’Toole.
