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LATEST INFORMATION
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TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE
Extreme Heat and You!
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After the hottest June on record, and a scorching holiday weekend, we’re looking at temperatures at or above 117 degrees to start the week.
We don’t need to tell you, that type of heat is dangerous. That’s why Maricopa County has dedicated additional resources this year to fund heat relief sites that stay open longer, a bilingual call center that connects residents to resources that can save their lives, and a public information campaign that directs people experiencing heat emergencies to fast help.
Below, we take a closer look at the resources available, and what we know so far about heat deaths and illnesses in our region in 2024.
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STAY SAFE
The best thing to do this week: stay indoors, in the air conditioning. But if you have to go outside, make sure you drink plenty of water and keep your skin protected with hats and cool, loose-fitting clothes.
More tips >
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WATCH FOR SIGNS
When your body temperature gets too high, you may start to feel sick. Know the difference between heat illness that you can treat yourself, and an emergency like heat stroke that might require a doctor, by studying up on the information below.
Signs of heat illness >
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GET ASSISTANCE
There are more than 230 heat relief sites around Maricopa County where you can go to cool off and get water. Just type in your address or ZIP code to find one near you. Or if you’re out and about, you can call 2-1-1 for heat relief resources in both English and Spanish.
We’ve got all that information and much more at Maricopa.gov/heat.
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INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Maricopa County Department of Public Health reports 13 confirmed heat deaths through June with 162 others under investigation. That’s more than last year at the same time, where we had eight confirmed deaths and 87 under investigation.
So far in 2024, 20% of our heat-related deaths have occurred indoors due to either broken or turned off air conditioning. 54% of heat-related deaths have also involved some type of drug use.
View the dashboard >
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HOW WE GET OUR DATA
Since 2018, the Office of the Medical Examiner has been tracking both heat-caused deaths and heat-related deaths by having death investigators look into factors such as the temperatures of rooms people were found in or any trouble paying electric bills. That context helps forensic pathologists determine whether heat played a role in a death. Heat-related deaths get reported to Public Health so epidemiologists can track real-time data and also identify broader trends.
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NEWS BITES
Downtown Family Health Center Expansion
 With a $550,000 investment from Maricopa County, Circle the City was able to expand their Downtown Family Health Center. The expansion in partnership with the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, features new exam rooms, a patient consult room, a medical procedure room, a nursing deck, new flooring and better lighting. In the last two years, the Board of Supervisors has invested $52 million to expand healthcare services available to Maricopa County residents. This health center is especially helpful to residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or experiencing homelessness.
Be Prepared for an Opioid or Fentanyl Overdose
 Fentanyl deaths have increase by almost 5,000% since 2015. The deadly drug affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. That is why it is important to be prepared if you find yourself around someone experiencing an opioid or fentanyl overdose. You could save a life by carrying and knowing how to use overdose reversal drug, Naloxone or Narcan. Watch the video above to see a Narcan demonstration from our Medical Director Dr. Sunenshine.
Make Sure Your Mosquito Repellent Packs a Punch!
Fight the bite this Summer by using a mosquito repellent that has one of these key six ingredients:
- Deet
- Picaridan
- IR3535
- 2-undecanone
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- Paramenthanediol
Be sure to wash off repellent once you are safe indoors.
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Keep Cool at One of Our Library Events!
There is no better way to beat the heat than to keep cool at one of our library district events.
Here are some of the most recent:
- Supreme Pizza Puppets at El Mirage Library
- Cactus Needlepoint Bookmarks at Fairway Library
- Reading with Royalty at White Tank Library
- Messy Play Day at Aguila Library
Check out events calendar
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Summer Empty the Shelters Event
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From now until July 31st, we are kicking off our Summer Empty the Shelters event sponsored by Bissell Pet Foundation. All dogs six-months and older will have their adoption fees waived.
Learn more
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Pet of the Week
Gertie is a little old lady who simply wants to be loved! She came into the shelter with long nails that curled into her paw pads, causing them to get infected and bleed. Now, with trimmed nails, she's excited to start a new chapter in her life. Gertie will go home spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped! Visit Maricopa.gov/Pets to find your new best friend today!
Happy Tails
"We adopted Abby from the West shelter. She was quite scared and didn’t interact with us much but we thought we saw a spark in her eyes so we adopted her. She has become such an amazing and loyal friend. She is so intelligent and loves to learn. We all adore her. You can’t judge a dog sometimes the way they act at the shelter. We are so happy we added her to our family!!" - Mary
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Job of the Week
 Are you a compassionate Veterinarian who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Does your heart beat for the opportunity to make a difference? Good news – we’ve been looking for you. With over 700 dogs in our care, every day is different as a Veterinarian with Maricopa County's Animal Care & Control.
Sign-On Incentive: Participating in Loan Repayment!
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