CHPA Applauds Vermont for Passing Sun Safety Bill Empowering Students to Better Protect their Skin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) released the below statement today following Governor Phil Scott signing S. 187 into law this week, legislation that will allow students to carry and self-apply sunscreen at school with the permission of a parent or guardian.

"We applaud Vermont for empowering students to protect the health of their skin by allowing sunscreen use in schools," saidCHPA Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs Carlos Gutiérrez. "With Vermont's high rate of skin cancer, teaching youth about sun safety and promoting sunscreen use during outdoor activities is critical, and CHPA commends Governor Scott for signing this important legislation."

Background:

This legislation was signed into law on Melanoma Monday, recognized annually since 1995 on the first Monday of May during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time devoted to raising awareness about the most common form of cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, with roughly one in five Americans developing skin cancer at some point in their life. 

Proactive sun safety policies, such as S. 187, give students increased access to sunscreens to better protect their overall health and wellbeing at school. Vermont is the latest state to join 26 other states and the District of Columbia in passing legislation allowing students to carry and self-apply sunscreen at school. When it comes to sun safety, knowledge and prevention go hand in hand, and CHPA encourages consumers to visit the Health In Hand Foundation's website for sun safety resources.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.