Melanoma of the skin is the 6th most common cancer type in Virginia. Practicing sun safe behaviors can help prevent harmful ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and prevent the risk of melanoma.
CACV and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) and Virginia schools to implement sun safety initiatives. This partnership helps to provide educational materials, policy guidance, and promote environmental change.
UV Sun Safety Awareness Proclamation
Governor Youngkin proclaimed July 2025 UV Sun Safety Awareness Month in Virginia to promote sun-safe behaviors and help promote skin cancer prevention across all communities in Virginia. View the 2025 UV Sun Safety Awareness Proclamation
School Sun Safety
CACV partners with VDH to support school sun safety throughout Virginia.
Sun Safety in Schools Toolkit
The Sun Safety in Schools Toolkit helps Virginia school districts implement sun safety initiatives throughout their schools. The toolkit includes steps to address sun safety through policy, environmental, education, and family focused changes. The toolkit also has resources for school districts. These include:
- Sample communication letters for parents and guardians in English and Spanish
- A sun safety one-pager in English and Spanish
- Sample language for school policy
- An elementary school poster in English and Spanish
- An opt-out form for school-provided sunscreen in English and Spanish
To request the toolkit, please fill out this request form.
The VDH Comprehensive Cancer Control program is available to provide support in adapting the toolkit materials to meet your schools needs. Please contact cancer@vdh.virginia.gov with any questions about the toolkit or to request help with implementation.
Read a testimonial from Buena Vista City Public Schools on implementing school sun safety initiatives.
Parks and Recreation Sun Safety
Practicing sun safe behaviors is critical in Parks and Recreation settings to reduce the risk of skin cancer. These sun behaviors protect participants and staff from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation during outdoor activities.
Below are resources for Parks and Recreation sites to promote sun safe behaviors.
Educational Posters
Download the Sun Safety Summer Poster – ENGLISH
Download the Sun Safety Summer Poster – SPANISH
Download the Sun Safety Winter Poster – ENGLISH
Download the Sun Safety Winter Poster – SPANISH
Policy Guidance
Download policy guidance for parks and recreation organizations: View the Sample Policy
*Parks and Recreation organizations should utilize the policy guidance as a list of all possible sun safety policy changes and only implement changes that best apply to their specific organization.
Summer Camp Resources
Download summer camp resources for parks and recreation organizations: View Summer Camp Resources
If you have additional resources and/or updates for summer camps, please email cancer@vdh.virginia.gov.
Sunscreen Dispensers
Since 2018, the CACV and VDH provided Sunscreen Dispensers to VRPS organizations. The addition of sunscreen dispensers at Parks and Recreation organizations allows Virginia residents, visitors, and organization staff to protect against sun burn and prevent melanoma.
Read about the impact of our partnership with parks and recreation across Virginia.
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