Public Health Corner: May 2023
Welcome to the Public Health Corner, a new quarterly section in the Southwest Climate Outlook dedicated to exploring the intersection between climate change and public health in Arizona and New Mexico! In this section, we will dive into the various health impacts of climate change that are affecting our communities and explore strategies to mitigate and adapt to these challenges.
This month we focus on the impacts of heat on health in Arizona and New Mexico. With summer just around the corner, rising temperatures can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. CLIMAS researchers and partners recently participated in the 7th Annual Arizona Extreme Heat Planning Workshop (recording on YouTube). This workshop brought together partners across Arizona, coordinating efforts across sectors to tackle the health effects of extreme heat events. If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer, check out the interactive cooling center map for southern Arizona or contact 2-1-1 in Arizona or New Mexico to identify the closest cooling center near you.
This year, Heat Awareness Day took place on May 28th, 2023. This day serves as an important reminder of the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Are you interested in learning more about recognizing and preventing heat related illness? Explore this medical education module by Arizona Climate and Health, co-led by CLIMAS researcher Dr. Heidi Brown.
Join us next quarter in the Public Health Corner as we explore the health impacts of climate change in Arizona and New Mexico, and discover ways we can all work together to create a healthier and more resilient future.
ArcGIS maps to use:
Arizona EPHT Explorer for age adjusted rates per 100K heat stress ED visits
New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking Query Results for - Heat Stress ED Visits Age-adjusted Rates Per 100,000 Population