With more than 600 heat associated deaths in Maricopa County last year, a coalition of partners is determined to provide resources to address the searing summer heat and the toll it takes on Valley residents.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and dozens of partnering agencies are teaming up to 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, a coordinating partner of the Heat Relief Network, 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.
The Heat Relief Network map is updated throughout the summer as new sites are added.
“Knowing where to find respite from high summer temperatures can be lifesaving, which is why the Heat Relief Network is so important,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments. “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.”
The network remains active from May 1 to September 30 every year. 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.
