READING — Chief David Clark has announced that the Reading Police Department will be participating in the Melanoma Police Patch Program throughout the month of May to raise awareness of the skin cancer melanoma.
Members of the Reading Police Department will wear a special patch on their uniforms during the month of May, which is National Melanoma Awareness Month. This patch will also be available for $10 to members of the public.
The Reading Police Department will be partnering with Impact Melanoma, a non-profit group focused on raising awareness for people with melanoma.
“We’re excited to work with Impact Melanoma to help educate residents about this issue during Melanoma Awareness Month,” Chief Clark said. “As a department, we have officers whom have personally been impacted by melanoma, and we believe these patches are a great way to help spread awareness about the disease.”
Donors who would like to receive a patch should send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy at the police station, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867, along with a check for $10 or more made out to IMPACT Melanoma.
Residents are also asked to include their email address when either sending or dropping off envelopes.
Impact Melanoma is a non-profit group that educates individuals about melanoma, provides tips to help people avoid melanoma and other types of skin cancer, hosts support groups and donates to research groups to study the effects and treatments of melanoma.
“Thank you to the Reading Police Department for calling out the epidemic of skin cancer,” said Deb Girard, Executive Director of IMPACT Melanoma. “Annually, 5.4 million skin cancers will be diagnosed in 3.3 million people in this country. 106,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the fifth most common cancer. Protecting yourself against sunburn is the most effective way to decrease the risk of skin cancer and melanoma. Wear sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and find some shade during the heat of the day. An ounce of prevention could save your life.”
For more information, call 781-942-6761 or email CSO O’Shaughnessy at KOShaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us.
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