PHX Reporter

Maricopa County has introduced a new resource aimed at preventing heat-related deaths this summer. The county launched its most comprehensive heat relief toolkit to date, featuring visual materials that provide accurate and current information for residents at risk during extreme heat. In 2023, Maricopa County recorded a record 645 heat-related deaths.

“It’s not enough to hope that number will go down; at Maricopa County, we believe in action. That’s why we are doing more than ever to make sure residents have and know about life-saving resources,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. “We ask our public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based partners to use the materials in this toolkit to get the message far and wide: if you’re experiencing a heat emergency this summer, no matter your age or circumstance, there’s help available for you.”

The toolkit includes digital display ads, flyers, videos, social media graphics, and full-sized and wallet-sized cooling center information cards. These materials are available for download at Maricopa.gov/heattoolkit and feature Heat Relief Network branding so they can be used by any jurisdiction or organization in the region.

Maricopa County is urging community partners to disseminate information about heat safety, weekday and weekend heat relief sites, air conditioning repair services, the availability of a bilingual 2-1-1 heat relief call center, and other critical details with clients and followers in preparation for an expected hotter-than-average summer.

“We know that heat can be deadly. When temperatures are in the triple-digits during the day or persistently high at night, that is a threat to precious lives—especially people over the age of 50, those who live in mobile homes, and people experiencing homelessness,” said Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2. “I’m thrilled to share this toolkit with residents so they have the information they need to protect themselves and protect others.”

Maricopa County has allocated $4 million towards heat relief efforts this summer. This funding includes intergovernmental agreements with Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe to keep at least one heat relief site open until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday as well as one weekend day.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has also contracted with AZ 2-1-1 to staff their call center with community health workers who speak English and Spanish. These workers will assist residents in finding cooling centers and other forms of support such as utility assistance from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Additionally, MCDPH will contract with larger non-profits providing support for cooling centers to ensure these facilities remain open until at least 7 p.m., including weekends whenever possible.

For more information on accessing the heat relief toolkit or finding nearby cooling centers along with other county resources visit Maricopa.gov/heat.