MAG News

With more than 600 heat related deaths in Maricopa County in 2023, a coalition of partners is working to provide resources to address the searing summer heat and the toll it takes on Valley residents.

As blistering summer temperatures loom in the Valley of the Sun, the Maricopa Association of Governments and dozens of partnering agencies are teaming up to again launch the regional Heat Relief Network. The network includes an interactive map with more than 124 locations where people can find shade, water, and indoor cooling centers, or where those wanting to help can drop off donations, such as bottled water. 

The statistics provided by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health are sobering: 

• 645 heat related deaths in Maricopa County during 2023.
• 71 percent of heat related deaths occurred on a day when the Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning.
• 45 percent of heat related deaths were among people experiencing homelessness.

When the temperatures become extreme, the Heat Relief Network can be lifesaving. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network. The map and directories of hydration, cooling, and supply donation sites throughout the Valley are updated during the heat season from May 1 through September 30.

“The most important thing we learned from our cooling center assessment in 2023 is that people need cooling centers to be open longer and on weekends. The other important piece we learned is that people need help finding cooling centers and other heat relief resources,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for MCDPH. 

The MCDPH contracted with larger nonprofit organizations providing cooling center support to make sure cooling and respite centers stay open until at least 7 p.m. and through the weekends whenever possible.

Knowing where to find respite from high summer temperatures can be lifesaving, which is why the Heat Relief Network is so important. It takes a range of partnerships and community resources to implement successful heat response strategies, and MAG and the City of Phoenix are proud contributors to the regional Heat Relief Network.

 

Phoenix Mayor Kate GallegoMaricopa Association of Governments Chair

Organizations that want to become a Heat Relief Network partner are invited to complete the HRN Standards & Expectations Form. Private residences and mobile sites cannot be shown on the map.