Extreme heat threatens Latina mothers and children’s health

Phoenix experienced its hottest summer and September on record, underscoring the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on Arizona’s Latino community. A summit of featured experts and advocates in Phoenix examined the socioeconomic factors and environmental challenges that may increase that vulnerability. Dr. Eugene Livar, Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer of the Arizona Department of Health Services, joined “Horizonte” to discuss.

Urban heat islands, or areas with excessive asphalt and limited green spaces, leave many Latino families without access to cooling relief. Additionally, a significant portion of the Latino population works in outdoor industries like agriculture and construction, intensifying exposure to dangerous heat levels. These conditions pose heightened risks for maternal and children’s health, making climate resilience and community support critical priorities.

According to Dr. Livar, Arizona is taking proactive steps to combat the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable communities, including Latinos, through a comprehensive resilience plan issued in March 2024. Developed in collaboration with the Governor Katie Hobbs’ office, the plan provides a roadmap to tackle heat-related challenges, focusing on key areas like shelter, health, disaster response and cooling center networks. It also emphasizes workforce safety and leveraging data for informed decision-making.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Livar explained Arizona is intensifying its outreach efforts with children as a primary focus. The state aims to enhance communication through multimodal, multilingual approaches. Key initiatives include bilingual awareness campaigns, resources tailored for the Latino community and expanded engagement through Arizona’s state heat working groups.

Equitable recruitment and access to information remain priorities, Dr. Livar said. The Arizona Department of Health Services offers a dedicated heat safety website, azhealth.gov/heat, featuring resources in both English and Spanish. It provides guidance on recognizing heat-related symptoms and practical measures to stay safe during extreme weather events.