Arizona’s largest county saw a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023, highlighting the danger posed by rising temperatures, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Last year, at least 645 people in Maricopa County (which includes Phoenix and its suburbs) died due to heat-related causes, according to a preliminary report from the Department of Public Health released recently. This marked a 52% increase compared to the previous year.
The report pointed out that the spike in deaths occurred during a record-setting heat wave in July, where temperatures exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit almost daily, a phenomenon linked to climate change.
The report also highlighted the intersection of heatwaves, climate change, and social issues like homelessness and substance abuse, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive heat relief efforts in Maricopa County.
Dr. Rebecca Sunenschein, medical director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, expressed concern about the rising trend of heat-related deaths and emphasized the importance of expanding heat relief initiatives to assist all residents.
The report revealed that approximately 65% of heat-related deaths involved drugs, alcohol, or both, with 45% of cases affecting individuals experiencing homelessness. Addressing the housing crisis in the county is crucial to preventing such fatalities, especially given the heightened risk faced by homeless individuals during extreme heat events.
Men accounted for over three-quarters of heatstroke deaths, with two-thirds of fatalities occurring in individuals over 50 years old. Heat-related deaths, often underestimated, are a significant contributor to weather-related mortality in the U.S., exacerbating underlying health conditions like heart attacks, respiratory issues, and kidney disease.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
