After Valley heat-related deaths declined in 2025, officials want trend to continue

PHOENIX – The number of heat-related deaths in the Phoenix area declined for the second consecutive year in 2025, and local officials are hoping to keep the trend going.

According to preliminary data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, heat was a factor in 427 deaths last year after two consecutive years with more than 600 heat-related deaths.

MCDPH started conducting heat surveillance in 2006. Deaths that are either directly caused by heat or have heat as a contributing factor fall under the heat-related classification.

The number of heat-related deaths grew every year over the last decade until hitting a record 645 in 2023. The total dipped to 608 in 2024 and continued moving in the right direction last year.

The statistics compiled through heat surveillance are used by officials as they develop public health policies.

“Heat remains one of the most serious public health threats facing our community,” Dr. Nick Staab, MCDPH chief medical officer, said in a press release. “Reducing heat-related deaths takes a coordinated response at every level, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure these life-saving efforts continue and evolve to meet the needs of our community.”

How county officials plan to reduce heat-related deaths in 2026

Although the final 2025 report won’t be released until April, MCDPH presented its action plan for 2026 to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Monday. (UPDATE: The final report documented 430 heat-related deaths in 2025.)

The strategy includes the following measures:

• Expanded cooling and respite center access in Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and Tempe, including overnight sites in Phoenix and Chandler.
• Contracts for expanded cooling and respite center access with Arizona Faith Network and other community-based groups.
• Partnering with St. Mary’s Food Bank on water storage and distribution to support heat relief sites.
• Call center support so residents can access heat relief resources through the 211 Arizona hotline.
• A heat relief resource public education and outreach campaign, including donated digital billboard messaging.
• Working with community organizations to distribute educational materials, naloxone and electrolytes at heat relief sites and through street outreach.

About half of the Valley’s heat-related deaths over the last two years involved people experiencing homelessness. Drug and alcohol use also has been a significant factor.

Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding allowed local authorities to expand their heat relief efforts starting in 2024, but 2026 will be the last year that funding is available.

“This decline in heat-related deaths reflects the collective efforts of heat relief partners working together across the region,” Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee said in the release. “We must continue to educate the public, protect those most at risk and prevent this avoidable and tragic loss of life.”

Heat Relief Network doesn’t operate until May 1

Each year, MCDPH coordinates the Heat Relief Network with cities, businesses, nonprofit organizations and faith-based communities across the Valley. The network provides free, cooled spaces to the public throughout Arizona’s hottest months, but it doesn’t launch until May 1.

With the region already experiencing historic heat in March this year, officials are encouraging residents who need relief to take advantage of public indoor spaces such as libraries, malls and community centers.

“Heat deaths are preventable,” Staab said. “By continuing to work together and staying vigilant, we can save lives.”

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