PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has released two critical reports regarding heat-related deaths in 2023 and the evaluation of cooling centers to enhance heat relief efforts in the future.

According to the reports, a total of 645 heat-associated deaths were confirmed in 2023, surpassing the previous year's record by over 50%. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the medical director for MCDPH, expressed concern over the tragic number, stating, "This tragic number shows us how much work we still have to do. With a coordinated county-wide strategy, nearly every one of these deaths can be prevented."

The evaluation of cooling and respite centers revealed important insights, including the fact that most visitors to these centers had been there before and spent at least an hour seeking heat relief. Suggestions were made for cooling centers to operate from 9 am to 7 pm daily and to improve communication about their locations through word of mouth and street signs.

MCDPH is taking steps to address the identified needs, such as establishing a bilingual heat relief call center and partnering with the City of Phoenix to improve signage at heat relief locations. The department is also collaborating with cities and community organizations to expand the hours and days of operation of cooling centers and provide essential items like water bottles, cooling towels, and hats.

Dr. Sunenshine emphasized the importance of collective action in reducing heat-related deaths, stating, "Deaths from heat are a major public health issue within our community, and it’s going to take support from every level to improve the situation."

Residents are encouraged to take simple actions to support heat relief efforts, such as checking on vulnerable individuals, volunteering at cooling centers, and donating heat relief supplies like water, hats, and sunscreen.

For more information on heat illnesses and data, individuals can visit Maricopa.gov/heat. Additional details on the Heat Relief Network's activities and donation opportunities can be found at https://azmag.gov/Programs/Heat-Relief-Network.