Extreme Heat Exposure: Access and Barriers to Cooling Centers — Maricopa and Yuma Counties, Arizona, 2010–2020

Abstract

Extreme heat exposure increases the risk for heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and deaths, and comprehensive strategies to prevent HRIs are increasingly important in a warming climate (1). An estimated 702 HRI-associated deaths and 67,512 HRI-associated emergency department visits occur in the United States each year (2,3). In 2020, Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona, experienced a record 145 and 148 days, respectively, of temperatures >100F (37.8C), and a record 522 heat-related deaths occurred in the state. HRIs are preventable through individual and community-based strategies* , ; cooling centers, typically air-conditioned or cooled buildings designated * Individual and community-based prevention strategies are enhanced when they include comprehensive approaches to address the structural and social conditions that influence health disparities. The Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being Framework outlines seven essential domains to consider in a comprehensive health prevention strategy: humane housing, reliable transportation, meaningful work and wealth, lifelong learning, basic needs for health and safety, belonging and civic muscle (e.g., public participation and collaboration), and thriving natural world. A person or community has a greater likelihood of increasing heat resilience and protect against elevated risk for heat-related mortality or morbidity when they are able to experience the optimal conditions for all of these domains. Arizona Department of Health Services and Yuma and Maricopa counties have deployed several strategies to reduce HRI inequities. Yuma County survey data helped identify priority areas for new cooling center locations posted as an online map and those that might be improved through SVI overlays. Bilingual fact sheets on HRI and resources on social services to check on neighbors not using air conditioning were posted to the Yuma County website. Public service announcements on cooling centers were aired on the county's public television channel. Maricopa County Department of Public Health, which has contributed substantial findings to the body of evidence on cooling center usage from past evaluations, is planning a cooling center evaluation for 2023 that will help provide additional evidence to reduce barriers to cooling center use and help with choosing appropriate adaptive strategies. https://adhsgis.maps.arcgis.com/ apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2e12ca8b1d6540f0ae8de41e93936efb; https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/health-district/divisions/ emergency-preparedness-program/hot-news-how-you-can-prepare-for-the-heat; https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-16-0033.1 Cooling centers might be a government-owned building such as a library or school, an existing community, religious, or recreation center, or a private business such as a coffee shop, shopping mall, or movie theater.

Topics & Concepts