Maricopa County Partnership Launches Campaign to Display Critical Local Heat Relief Resources

inbusinessPHX.com

Clear Channel Outdoor and Maricopa County are teaming up for a second year in a row to reduce heat deaths in the region. A new digital billboard campaign will educate and alert residents and visitors across the Valley about critical, local heat relief resources, specifically 200+ local heat relief sites that can help them stay cool during Arizona’s dangerous late spring and summer time heat. The campaign, which launched on May 12th and runs through mid-October, is also supported by the Maricopa Association of Governments, 211 Arizona and the City of Phoenix.

“We are grateful to Clear Channel for donating their billboard space for a second straight year to help us spread this important safety message,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2. “Extreme heat can kill, whether you’re out in the sun or inside without proper cooling. So don’t wait. If you’re in a heat emergency, call 211 and get the help you need.”

Last year, Maricopa County saw its first decrease in heat-related deaths in a decade, according to data from Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). Preliminary data shows 602 confirmed heat-related deaths in 2024, down from the record-setting 645 in 2023. Heat deaths dropped even during a record hot stretch in which the Phoenix metro area experienced 113 straight days at or above 100° F.

“Keeping our residents safe during extreme summer heat is a top priority. That’s why we’re providing respite sites with overnight and extended hour options,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We’re grateful for our partnership with 211 Arizona, MAG, Clear Channel Outdoor, and Maricopa County to get the word out to ensure residents are aware of these lifesaving resources.”

“We are proud to partner with our fellow community stakeholders to help amplify public awareness of the resources available to our residents during periods of life-threatening heat,” said Adriane Youngblood, President, Arizona division, Clear Channel Outdoor. “As a Phoenix resident, I am hopeful that our medium can help educate our community on how to quickly access the assistance they need whether it’s locating a cooling center or finding other heat relief resources. Everyone in our community is entitled to the knowledge needed to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of extreme heat.”

The digital billboards, donated by Clear Channel Outdoor, will help promote the free, 24-hour 211 information service that can assist people experiencing heat emergencies. 211 Arizona live operators will take calls, in English and Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help residents find nearby cooling centers, transportation help, utility support, or emergency A/C repair during the 2025 heat season. When live operators are not available, callers will still be able to connect with resources by selecting from an automated menu.

Resource connections and further information are also accessible online.

Get more information on heat illnesses and prevention here.

For real-time heat data, visit the new MCDPH dashboard.