Sunscreen dispensers come to campus

Sunscreen dispensers have popped up at a half dozen outdoor sports venues on the U-M campus. They’re the result of an initiative started by student researchers and collaboration between the Department of Family Medicine, Impact Melanoma, the U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center, and the Athletic Department.

During her first year at the Medical School, Olivia Lamberg and a team of student researchers analyzed teen perspectives on sun safety and sunscreen use. They surveyed the teens through the MyVoice project, a long-term research initiative led by Tammy Chang, M.D., associate professor of family medicine.

A group of 977 young people from across the country were asked about their sunscreen use. About 90% of participants reported sunscreen use, but 81.1% noted having had one or more sunburns, and 28.4% reported five or more.

The results were published as a letter in JAMA Network Open in 2021.

“Through surveys, we gathered valuable insights into the behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to sun protection among teenagers,” Lamberg says. “The results revealed a gap in access, which prompted us to take action.”

The sunscreen dispensers have been installed at the entrances of the U-M Soccer Complex, Alumni Field, Fisher Stadium, the U-M Lacrosse Stadium, the Varsity Tennis Center, and the U-M Golf Course. Dispensers contain SPF 30 sunscreen and are targeted at spectators. (The Athletic Department already provides sunscreen to student athletes.)

Since the dispensers were installed last summer, more than 5,000 applications of sunscreen have been dispensed. Lamberg says the group is expanding the initiative with a new community partner, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation.