According to Maricopa County heat reports, of the county’s 427 confirmed heat-related deaths, 27% occurred indoors. Of these indoor heat death cases, 68% occurred when a non-functioning air conditioning unit was on the property. Older adults – especially those who are homebound and have limited contact with family members to check on them – are vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.
Tempe Community Action Agency operates a variety of volunteer-powered initiatives for older adults, such as its Meals on Wheels and Neighbors Helping Neighbors programs. While these programs provide services such as meals, visits and transportation assistance, they also act as a health check-up during Arizona’s hot summer months.
During a home visit, TCAA’s volunteers and community health workers make sure a senior’s A/C is functioning properly, assess their immediate needs and can connect a senior to resources for A/C repair if necessary.
Phillip Scharf, CEO of Tempe Community Action Agency, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the initiatives.
