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*"for Immediate Release"
**March 10, 2025
Courtney Kreuzwiesner | 602-540-5473
**c.kreuzwiesner@maricopa.gov
**Virtual media interviews available Monday, March 10 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.**
*



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2024 Shows First Decline in Heat Deaths in a Decade

"*Preliminary report highlights trends and ongoing risks*"






The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has released its 2024 preliminary report on heat-related deaths [ https://www.maricopa.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=5934 ] showing 602 confirmed deaths attributed to environmental heat, with eight deaths remaining under investigation. This marks the first year-over-year decrease in heat deaths since 2014, down from the record-breaking 645 deaths in 2023, despite being the hottest summer on record.

“While this reduction in heat deaths is a step in the right direction, we need to continue educating residents about the dangers of extreme heat and the steps they can take to stay safe and protect their loved ones,” said Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2. “Each death is a preventable tragedy, and Maricopa County remains committed to working with our community partners to reduce the number of heat-related deaths further.”

In 2024, Maricopa County experienced an unprecedented heat season, with the Phoenix metro region enduring 113 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 100°F from May 27 to September 16.

While all residents and visitors of Maricopa County are affected by extreme heat, people experiencing homelessness, older adults, and people who use substances are among those most impacted. Among the 349 heat-related deaths involving substances in 2024, 89% involved stimulants.

“We know that heat is a force multiplier for many underlying health conditions, including substance use disorders, heart disease and the effects of medications that alter the body’s response to heat,” said Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for MCDPH. “Prolonged exposure to heat can significantly worsen a person’s symptoms such as dehydration and increased heart rate, potentially leading to severe complications, including death.”

Additional preliminary report findings include:


* From June 18 to July 31, at least one heat-related death occurred every day in Maricopa County. During this 44-day period, 14 excessive heat warnings were issued, and 14 high temperatures were broken.
* More than half (51%) of all heat related deaths in 2024 occurred on days when heat risk was calculated as moderate*. *
* Among indoor deaths, 88% had an air conditioning unit present, but 70% of those A/C units were non-functional.

In 2025, MCDPH will continue supporting prevention and response efforts aimed at addressing gaps and barriers to heat relief resources.

In collaboration with community partners, this year’s initiatives include:


* Intergovernmental Agreements with Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and Tempe. Continuation of funding to expand hours and days of operation of heat relief sites.
* At least one heat relief site in each city will be open until 7 pm Monday through Friday and open on at least one weekend day.
* Many of these are respite centers, which allow people to have uninterrupted rest while they cool off.  

* Contracts with community-based organizations for distributing water and for supporting heat relief centers to ensure that cooling and respite centers are staying open until at least 7 pm and on weekends throughout the county whenever possible. 
* Expand public awareness of cooling centers and helping residents better access heat relief resources through 2-1-1, including transportation assistance to cooling centers, utility assistance and emergency A/C repair programs.
* Increase collaboration with local substance use harm reduction partners and other agencies to strengthen outreach efforts and raise awareness of the dangers of using stimulants during extreme heat [ https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/96221/Heat-Substance-Use-English-Trifold-Brochure?bidId= ].

“Heat deaths are preventable, and with strategic interventions, we can continue to drive down these numbers,” said Dr. Staab. “We encourage residents to take proactive steps, such as checking on vulnerable neighbors, staying hydrated, and knowing how to access heat relief resources.”

A final heat deaths report with total counts and additional data characteristics will be released once all pending heat-related death investigations have been completed for 2024. This report is estimated to be released in Spring 2025 and will be published here [ https://www.maricopa.gov/1858/Heat-Surveillance#annualreports ]. For more details on heat-related illnesses and data, visit Maricopa.gov/heat [ http://www.maricopa.gov/heat ].

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