The Friday before Memorial Day (May 26, 2017) is Don’t Fry Day.

The day, designated by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) in collaboration with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP), serves as part of a public awareness campaign that aims to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by promoting sun safety and encouraging the public to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.

While participating in Don’t Fry Day last year, ASDSA launched SUNucate, an initiative focused on educating the public about prevention from the harmful effects of sun exposure. The centerpiece of SUNucate includes model legislation written to make sure children at school and camp can apply needed sunscreen or wear sun-protective clothing without restriction. Currently, four states this year adopted variations of this law (Alabama, Arizona, Utah and Washington), and it is pending legislation in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.  The law was modeled on what currently is on the books in California, Oregon and Texas.

A new blog devoted to skin cancer issues and SUNucate has been launched at SUNucate.org. The site spotlights skin cancer prevention activities, public awareness and prevention programs and how states and stakeholders can help pass SUNucate legislation