New Bedford Launches Free Sunscreen Program for Sun Safety

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — As summer draws to a close, New Bedford will continue keeping residents safe with a pilot program that will give out free sunscreen throughout the city.

According to Mayor Jon Mitchell, the sunscreen dispensers will be stationed at 10 locations across the city, from beaches in the South End to parks in the North End.

Although the late-summer installation is a pilot program, it will allow the City of New Bedford to assess dispenser usage until early fall. Should the program be successful, the stations will return next year.

Get our free mobile app

The New Bedford Health Department selected locations based on factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, recreational use, visibility from streets and sidewalks, proximity to public transportation and equitable distribution.

“Sun protection is critical for public health, but it’s easy to forget about sunscreen when we’re outside for prolonged periods,” said Liza Rebello, the Health Department’s Director of Public Health Nursing.

“We hope these dispensers will provide an easy solution for people enjoying New Bedford’s beautiful coastlines and recreational areas," Rebello said.

Where to Find Free Sunscreen Dispensers in New Bedford

• East Beach
• Fort Taber Bath House
• West Beach, at the bath house
• Cove Walk Entrance near Kilburn Mill
• Harbor Walk Entrance near Rodney Street
• Monte Park, near the pavilion, facing Acushnet Avenue
• Buttonwood Park, on the paved path near the playground
• Brooklawn Park, near the parking lot close to the playground and splash pad
• Riverside Park, near the pavilion and splash pad
• Noah’s Place Playground on Pope’s Island

Who Is Covering the Costs of Free Sunscreen in New Bedford?

Funding from the state’s Public Health Excellence Shared Services grant program, channeled through the New Bedford Health Department, helped make the free sunscreen possible.

The Health Department is one of 51 recipients of Public Health Excellence funding from the Mass. Department of Public Health statewide.

The Health Department has also used the funding to create a partnership among the New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet health departments to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of local public health protections.