Uriel Medical Foundation

SHADE Program: Sun Hat Awareness Distribution & Education. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the suns UV radiation. A person receives a quarter of their lifetime UV exposure by age 18 and the hours in the day with the strongest UV radiation occur during school hours. Skin cancer education for children is necessary for long-term health. The UMF partnered with the Bend Science Station to develop and implement SHADE over several years to educate elementary students about sun safety in an effort to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer. SHADE is a hands on science curriculum with experiments and equipment. The SHADE Program has been implemented in 8 schools and has expanded to other nonprofit education entities for implementation. 2024 was a year of re-evaluation based on school curriculum needs to restart the program through meetings with teachers trainers and curriculum builders.