WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Health In Hand Foundation (HIHF) has partnered with Young Minds Inspired (YMI) to launch two national health education initiatives aimed at promoting sun safety and oral health among school-age children and their families.
Backed by CHPA member companies Kenvue and Colgate-Palmolive, and developed in collaboration with The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Dental Association (ADA), the programs will reach more than 1.2 million students nationwide during the back-to-school season.
The sun safety campaign, supported by Kenvue, is designed to educate 450,000 elementary and middle school students on the importance of sun-protective behaviors such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade. Classroom materials include teacher guides, student activities, and bilingual take-home letters for parents and caregivers.
“We’re excited to partner with Health In Hand to empower teachers, students, and parents with sun safety education,” said Becky Kamowitz, executive director of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “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.”
The oral health campaign, supported by Kenvue and Colgate-Palmolive, will reach 750,000 elementary school students in rural communities and so-called dental deserts across states including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Alaska. Working with the ADA, the program emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall wellness, encouraging daily care routines and providing bilingual take-home resources for families.
“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,” said Jane Grover, senior director of the ADA’s Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. “By equipping schools with engaging, evidence-based resources, we can help families establish strong oral care routines.”
Digital resources for both initiatives will be available year-round through a YMI-hosted microsite, allowing teachers and families to access free downloadable classroom materials.
“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,” said Mary Leonard, executive director of HIHF. “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.”
