Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics and partners donate shade structure to Atlanta’s Mary Lin Elementary School


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“At Olansky, we see what kind of damage a lifetime of unprotected sun exposure can do to someone’s skin,” Dr. Ganz says. “Preventative efforts such as this are invaluable and provide an extra level of safety for these children.”

Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, in partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, recently donated a sunshade structure to Mary Lin Elementary School in Candler Park. Designed to help students avoid skin damage and possible dermatological illnesses, the structure serves as an example of Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics’ commitment to community-minded efforts.

“In front of the school, we have a wide walkway,” says Alice Brookner, co-president of Mary Lin Elementary School’s PTA. “Each day dozens of Mary Lin parents and students gather there for dismissal. There was no shade in this area. In the late spring and summer, the Atlanta sun is especially intense.”

After learning the school’s PTA was interested in a sunshade structure for the front walkway, Dr. Jodi Ganz of Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics helped spearhead fundraising efforts through the AAD’s Take a Hike Skin Cancer program. These sponsored walks use donations to provide grants for the construction of community sunshade structures.

With an additional monetary donation from Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, as well as assistance from the AAD and the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Mary Lin Elementary School was able to meet the budgetary needs required to build the structure, which measures 54-feet wide and 14.5-feet tall.

“At Olansky, we see what kind of damage a lifetime of unprotected sun exposure can do to someone’s skin,” Dr. Ganz says. “Preventative efforts such as this are invaluable and provide an extra level of safety for these children.”

Although planning and construction began before the pandemic, the sunshade structure became even more valuable once students began returning to Mary Lin Elementary for in-person learning in January. In addition to being used during arrival and dismissal, the structure provides much-needed space for the students to have recess, lunch, and outdoor lessons.

“The sunshade structure is an incredible gift after such a difficult year,” Brookner says. “We’re incredibly grateful to Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery for helping make it a reality for our students, faculty, and parents.”

To make an appointment with Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, call 404-355-5484 or visit OlanskyDermatology.com.

Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics is your dermatology solution. Our ability to provide full-service dermatology to patients of all ages is a distinct benefit to choosing our 40-year-old practice. We offer medical, surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic services to our patients, and even same day appointments when possible. This makes us not only a convenient solution for your family, but a comprehensive one as well. With services ranging from our in-house Mohs surgery for skin cancer, advanced laser therapy for psoriasis or our aesthetic services for skin rejuvenation, Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics can handle all of your skin concerns. For more details, visit our website at OlanskyDermatology.com or call 404-591-4314.

Interviews are available upon request.

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