CHPA’s Health In Hand Foundation Launches National Back-to-School Health Education on Sun Safety and Oral Health

Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association's (CHPA) Health In Hand Foundation (HIHF), in collaboration with Young Minds Inspired (YMI), today announced the launch of two national back-to-school health education campaigns focused on sun safety and oral health.

YMI, the nation's leading provider of free educational outreach programs for learners of all ages, is partnering with HIHF to deliver these initiatives to schools across the country. With support from CHPA member companies Kenvue and Colgate-Palmolive, and in collaboration with The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Dental Association (ADA), the campaigns aim to empower students and families with essential self-care knowledge.

Developed in collaboration with The Skin Cancer Foundation and supported by Kenvue, the sun safety program will reach 450,000 elementary and middle school students and their families in the United States about the importance of practicing sun-safe behaviors. These include wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, seeking shade, and covering up with sun-protective clothing.

The program features teacher guidance and classroom activities to reinforce sun safety, as well as a bilingual take-home letter (English and Spanish) for parents and caregivers with tips and reminders to protect children's skin from UV exposure. The digital content will educate and increase awareness about the effects of UV rays on the skin and the importance of consistent sun protection.

"We're excited to partner with Health In Hand to empower teachers, students, and parents with sun safety education. Childhood sunburns can significantly increase the chance of developing melanoma later in life. By promoting sun-protective behaviors-like wearing sunscreen, seeking shade and using sun-safe clothing-we're helping families build lifelong habits that safeguard their health," said Becky Kamowitz, Executive Director, The Skin Cancer Foundation.

In addition to sun safety, Health In Hand also developed a targeted educational campaign focused on oral health education. In collaboration with the ADA and supported by Kenvue and Colgate-Palmolive, this effort targets 750,000 elementary school students and their families in rural communities and dental deserts across the United States, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Tennessee, Alaska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The program includes education and classroom activities for teachers that emphasize the importance of a daily oral care routine and the connection between oral health and whole-body health. It also includes a bilingual take-home letter (English and Spanish) for parents and caregivers with guidance to help keep their child's teeth and gums healthy.

"Educating teachers, students, and parents about oral health is essential-especially in rural communities and dental deserts where access to a dentist may be limited. By equipping schools with engaging, evidence-based resources, we can help families establish strong oral care routines. We're thrilled to collaborate with Health In Hand on this initiative and connect families with tools like the ADA's Find-A-Dentist platform to locate care when needed," said Jane Grover, DDS, MPH, Senior Director of the ADA's Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention.

Both programs are designed with digital resources, aimed to make learning fun and engaging. YMI includes a dedicated microsite with free, downloadable classroom materials to access throughout the year. View the oral health program and sun safety program.

"YMI is proud to collaborate with Health In Hand on these important educational campaigns that will engage elementary and middle school kids and their families," said Donald Lay, Managing Partner and Owner at YMI, Inc. "Together, we can increase knowledge about the importance of oral health and sun safety, supporting better health outcomes and promoting overall well-being."

"The sun safety and oral health programs reflect our commitment to being a trusted voice for credible, accessible health education, reaching approximately 1.2 million students and their families with these important resources. By collaborating with our partners like The Skin Cancer Foundation, the American Dental Association, and Young Minds Inspired, we're giving teachers, students, and families the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health-especially in communities with barriers to accessing care," said Mary Leonard, Executive Director, HIHF. "We hope that teachers and families embrace these programs for a healthy start to the new school year."

The Health In Hand Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to make safe, informed decisions about choosing and using self-care products. Visit chpa.org/HealthInHand or HealthInHand.org for more information.