Heat Relief Network aims to reduce heat-related deaths during metro Phoenix’s hottest months

PHOENIX — The Heat Relief Network 2025 campaign to reduce heat-related deaths during metro Phoenix’s hottest months officially began on Thursday.

The annual event is a public-private partnership made up of cities, nonprofit organizations, faith-based communities and businesses across the Valley. It provides free, cooled spaces to the public through Sept. 30.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) coordinates each event. The department’s chief medical officer, Dr. R. Nicholas Staab, said organizers want to help people survive during the hottest months of the year.

“We were fortunate last summer to see the first decline year-over-year in our heat-related deaths, but we still know it’s a significant impact on our community,” Staab told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

A preliminary report from the county’s department of public health found there were 602 confirmed heat-related deaths in 2024. The findings were especially noteworthy because last year saw the hottest summer in Phoenix’s recorded history.

What’s the purpose of the Heat Relief Network 2025 campaign?

“We believe that all of those deaths are preventable if we can get people resources to cool off during our hottest season,” Staab said.

The plan includes keeping at least one heat-relief site open until 7 p.m. Monday-Friday in each of the following cities: Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and Tempe. Those cities also will have at least one site open on at least one weekend day.

“We also are bringing financial resources through grants to these partners so that they can extend the hours of the heat release sites, increase signage, increase the connectedness to the community so that everyone can use the heat relief network as part of their planning for the heat season,” Staab said.

The Heat Relief Network website includes a searchable map of cooling centers, respite centers and hydration stations and donation collection sites, as well as a resource page that includes tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses. The interactive map shows the address, phone number and hours of operation for each site.

Phoenix Rescue Mission to distribute free water throughout hottest months

Another massive heat relief effort is launching on Thursday: Phoenix Rescue Mission’s citywide Code: Red Summer Heat Relief campaign.

The goal of this initiative is to provide water and hygiene kits to help the Valley’s homeless population survive the heat.

Several municipalities, including Avondale, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, and Scottsdale are partnering with the nonprofit to distribute water, toiletries and other services.

Donations will be matched up to $150,000 in June.

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