Affiliated Dermatology, a dermatology group that specializes in skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as medical and aesthetic dermatology services, is pleased to announce its donation of $27,000 to Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF) in 2023. This generous donation facilitated the installation of a commercial-grade shade structure at the Mesa Urban Garden (MUG), launching the success of ASCF's Play in the Shade program.

Dr. Karan Lal, a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology, expressed the company's commitment to improving the health of Arizona communities. This commitment includes increasing access to dermatologic care for adults and children of color, which is Dr. Lal's specialty. Skin disorders can present differently among different demographic groups, making this a critical focus. Dr. Lal chose to work with Affiliated Dermatology due to their commitment to health equity and is excited to be part of a team that prioritizes skin cancer prevention, especially considering Arizona's high rates of skin cancer. Skin cancer is caused by sun damage that begins in childhood.

ASCF's Play in the Shade program partners with the community to install shade structures, providing Arizonans with protection from the sun. The shade structure at MUG serves the gardening community, residents, and workers.

Installing sunshade structures and planting shade trees in Maricopa County is critical to increase the urban canopy and protect residents from the intense UV radiation. Arizona has more sunny days than any other state in the U.S., and overexposure to this year-round sunlight can cause skin damage – leading to skin cancer in one in five people. High-quality shade not only protects the skin but also helps prevent overheating, which is another critical health issue in the Valley of the Sun.

"This contribution shows Affiliated Dermatology's ongoing dedication to the health of Arizonans and to ACSF's community health initiatives,” said Jenifer Hunt, ASCF program manager.

Affiliated Dermatology plans to expand on the project's success by increasing its contribution to ASCF in 2024. This will enable the nonprofit organization to install a shade structure at a Title 1 school in Maricopa County this year. Title 1 schools interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact Jenifer Hunt, ASCF Project Manager, by emailing jhunt@skinexam.org.

For more information about Affiliated Dermatology, please call 602-AFF-DERM or visit http://www.affderm.com.

To learn more about the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation and the Play in the Shade program, visit http://www.skinexam.org.

About Affiliated Dermatology
Physician owned and operated, Affiliated Dermatology® provides an unmatched patient experience to Arizonans. Founded in July 2002 by Dr. Richard L. Averitte, Jr., Affiliated Dermatology®? is a full-service dermatology group with nine locations providing skin cancer prevention and treatment, medical and aesthetic dermatology services, and allergy testing. Our team is committed to inspiring and empowering you to make educated, healthy decisions about skincare.

About Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation
ASCF was founded in 2011 by Dr. Richard Averitte Jr., an Arizona dermatologist, and his wife, Marlie Averitte, in response to the need in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area for medical treatments for un/underinsured skin cancer patients without access to the medical services necessary to treat their cancer. As a witness to access to healthcare barriers as a dermatologist, and with the conviction that health disparities were persistent but not inevitable, Dr. Averitte began providing free skin screenings and medical treatments for patients in need.

About Mesa Urban Garden
Mesa Urban Garden is a community organization that aims to create a community gathering space in the heart of Mesa’s downtown. Our mission is to inspire sustainable urban living through gardening opportunities, education, community involvement and creative cooperation to strengthen families and enhance and beautify our community.