La Roche-Posay and the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) have announced that last year’s inaugural “Time Out, Protect Your Skin” (TOPS) program will be expanding nationally this year, with launches in 5 public and private schools across the United States.
TOPS, a joint effort between La Roche-Posay and the WDS that aims to educate and inform children about the importance of safe sun practices, was launched last year at the Grace Church School in New York City, the first recipient of a TOPS sun-safe makeover campaign. According to La Roche-Posay, “through engaging activities inside and outside the classroom, TOPS made a significant impact in raising awareness about skin cancer and sun protection.”
Outreach through the TOPS program will take place this year at 5 schools, including 3 public schools in California, Illinois and Florida and two private schools in Colorado and New York City. According to La Roche-Posay, in addition to “sun-proofing” each school with shade-bearing awnings and other types of shade protection in highly-trafficked play areas, the schools in the TOPS program will be supplied with La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sunscreen, informational pamphlets and UV bracelets that change color to alert students to when they are being exposed to UV rays. The TOPS program aims to educate students and the public through the integration of grade-appropriate materials into the curriculum and educational presentations by WDS members. The American Skin Association will provide the materials to be integrated into the curriculum, according to La Roche-Posay.
“We’re very excited to expand the reach of the TOPS program,” says Angela Bennett, Vice President of La Roche-Posay. “Partnering with WDS dermatologists to educate children, parents and teachers proved to be a great success last year. That’s why we felt compelled to do our part and take this initiative to a national level this year in order to inform more students – and the general public – about skin cancer prevention and the importance of adhering to safe sun practices at an early age.”
