Kathy Whittaker, Southeast Chapter Public Health Nurses, Massachusetts
As an oncology nurse for nearly forty years, Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, founder and executive director, has actively recruited nursing colleagues and organizations to share in the mission to prevent skin cancer. Dermatology, public health, school, and oncology nurses have all worked with CMPF to spread the word about the importance of skin cancer prevention for children. The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) led the way by endorsing our SunAWARE acronym in 2007 and our SunAWARE Curriculum in 2016. They partnered on a cross-country fundraiser, Ride4Melanoma where DNA members along with CMPF volunteers shared sun protection information, resources, and sunscreen. DNA partnered on the electronic publication, What Are these Spots on My Skin? that is available for free download.CMPF has partnered with local public health nurses on educational grants, provided by the Blue Hills Community Health Alliance #20, to provide melanoma prevention education. We featured our anti-tanning video, Glenna’s Gift, at two American Public Health Association conventions to raise awareness about the relationship of indoor tanning and melanoma. In addition, CMPF has provided local workshops for school and oncology nurses, as well as published multiple peer-reviewed articles in the nursing literature.
We actively seek other professionals working in children’s athletics, recreation, and summer camps. For example, CMPF partnered with US SAILING in their SunAWARE at Sea Program providing presentations and resources for administrators, instructors, coaches, and boaters. More recently, we partnered with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to provide programs, educational resources, and sunscreen to Boston Harbor Island staff, visitors and campers. For more information or to book a symposia call 781-875-1SPF (1773) or write us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
