As the summer heats up in the borderland, many El Pasoans are hosting or attending outdoor events and parties. Unfortunately, guests can easily get burned by the sun’s harsh rays. To help protect against sun burn, the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation offers free sun screen dispensers that can be delivered to the site of any outdoor event.

Executive director, Patty Tiscareño says the dispensers are part of the foundation’s ‘Be Sun Smart,” campaign that is focused on educating El Pasoans about the dangers of over exposure to UV rays and offer practical advice on how not to get burned. “Our dispensers offer broad spectrum sunscreen, which contain several ingredients that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin,” she said. “Sun exposure includes two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, which damage the skin, age it prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer.”

The sunscreen dispensers are also permanently installed at city spray parks and recreational facilities and have just recently been made available on Fort Bliss.

“Our goal is not only to provide sunscreen on site where it is needed, but simply to serve as a reminder to always protect your skin when you are engaging in any kind of outdoor activity,” said Tiscareño. “As we expand our Be Sun Smart campaign, we hope to reach large numbers of El Pasoans who spend time in the sun and remind them to enjoy our sun city, just do so safely.”

The dispensers are available for delivery and pick-up for any outdoor event by calling 915-562-7660.