RAYS Skin Cancer Prevention: A Priority for New Mexico Children
The goal of the RAYS (Raising Awareness among Youth about Sun Safety) program, a key component of the New Mexico Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Program (NMDOH CCP), is to promote sun safety knowledge and behaviors to New Mexico’s elementary aged youth in grades kindergarten through five in order to reduce their risk for developing skin cancer. The RAYS program aims to enhance knowledge and skills (both among students and adults) and change or promote changes in school and/or community policies related to sun safety. Following recommendations of the Community Guide to Preventive Services, the NMDOH CCP supports implementation of evidence-based sun safety educational curricula and strategies in elementary schools and community-based organizations across the state.
Ongoing evaluation of the RAYS program is essential in determining its effectiveness as well as to monitor changes over time in knowledge, attitudes, behavior and policy changes. Click here to see evaluation reports on the RAYS program.
Sun Safety Brochures:
Are your kids Sun Safe? Click here for the Parents’ Guide to Sun Safety:
The goal of the RAYS (Raising Awareness among Youth about Sun Safety) program, a key component of the New Mexico Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Program (NMDOH CCP), is to promote sun safety knowledge and behaviors to New Mexico’s elementary aged youth in grades kindergarten through five in order to reduce their risk for developing skin cancer. The RAYS program aims to enhance knowledge and skills (both among students and adults) and change or promote changes in school and/or community policies related to sun safety. Following recommendations of the 
Ongoing evaluation of the RAYS program is essential in determining its effectiveness as well as to monitor changes over time in knowledge, attitudes, behavior and policy changes.