A PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVE

A long-term strategic goal of the American Academy of Dermatology is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through public education.

The AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ Program is an Academy-driven public health initiative that was conceived to educate the public about the dangers of exposure to the sun, provide a reliable method for choosing sun-protection products and to fund the advancement of new and the expansion of existing skin cancer reduction programs now and in the future.

The AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ has been established to recognize products that have been manufactured for sun-protection benefit and have met a stringent set of evidence-based criteria established by the Academy using FDA guidelines and that have been verified by a panel of dermatologists and an independent scientist. The Academy and consumers along with the brands awarded the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ enter into a unique partnership as proceeds generated above the cost of administering the program will help to support public education programs that reduce skin cancer and improve public health.

Products considered for participation include; sunscreens, cosmetics and moisturizers that provide broad-spectrum protection, garments and hats, shade structures, umbrellas, laundry additives, eye protection and window films/tints.

Early in 2006 the Academy launched the Skin Cancer Awareness: Intervention Plan for Tomorrow (SCRIPT) Plan. The SCRIPT Plan has set a goal of leading the charge to reduce skin cancer mortality in the next 10 years and incidence in the next 30. The effort will include promoting public education, developing statistical benchmarks, identifying research gaps, and more. Any fees above those necessary to administer the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ program will be directed to the Academy’s SCRIPT Plan.

Examples of programs that will be advanced through the SCRIPT Plan with proceeds from the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ Program are:

• Shade Structure Grant Program for the purchase of permanent
  shade structures for non-profit organizations such as schools.
• Free skin cancer screenings to the public.
• Advocacy for federal and state legislation to regulate indoor tanning.
• Printed materials (brochures, pamphlets, posters, bookmarks, flyers)
  for public awareness about sun-safety. 
• Paid advertising and public service advertising (TV, print and radio).
• SkinCancerNet www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet