SEATTLE – Governor Christine Gregoire became the nation's first governor Wednesday to proclaim a state "sunwise" – a program to encourage residents to adopt sun-safe behavior.

KING

Nearly half of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States each year are skin cancers.

This proclamation is part of Washington's participation in SunWise Communities, a program developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which extends sun safety education through school- and community-based programs.

As part of the governor's commitment, all schools throughout the state of Washington will be encouraged to adopt sun safety curriculums through EPA's free SunWise Tool Kit.

"I am pleased to promote healthy, sun-safe values by declaring Washington a SunWise state," Gregoire said. "While a portion of our state is known for its rain, it is important for families across the state to understand the hidden dangers of UV rays and use precaution. This program takes a holistic approach to encouraging lifelong, sun-safe behavior."

Gregoire is asking schools across the state to participate in SunWise Schools, a program designed to teach children about the dangers of overexposure to the sun and equip them with the skills to protect themselves.

By using the program's SunWise Tool Kit, students will learn about sun-safe activities, such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade during midday hours, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and other actions that can significantly reduce their lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Washington State has the fifth-highest melanoma incidence rate and the seventh-highest melanoma fatality rate in the country.