Americares Expands Heat Relief Efforts for Vulnerable Communities
As extreme heat events become increasingly common and dangerous, nonprofit Americares is bolstering its support for clinics serving at-risk populations. Recognizing heat as the leading cause of weather-related death in the U.S. – a statistic highlighted by the National Weather Service – the institution announced an expansion of its Climate Health Equity for Community Clinics program.
The initiative will provide grants to 13 free clinics and community health centers (CHCs) across the country, enabling them to purchase essential supplies for patients struggling with the effects of extreme heat. These supplies include air conditioners, ice packs, and reusable water bottles, aiming to proactively address heat-related health concerns.
The funded facilities are: Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (New mexico); The Broad Street Clinic (Morehead City, North Carolina); Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (Indio, California); Community Health of South Florida (Miami); Grace Clinic (Kennewick, Washington); Miami Rescue mission – Miami Clinic; Miami Rescue Mission – Doral Clinic (Florida); Mission of Mercy (Phoenix); Muncie Mission Ministries (Muncie, indiana); Sonoma County Indian Health Project (Santa Rosa, California); St. Clair Community Health clinic (Pell City, Alabama); St. John Bosco Clinic (miami); and Volunteers in Medicine (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania).
Beyond these initial grants,Americares is partnering with CVS Health to launch a pilot program targeting facilities in arizona,Florida,Georgia,New Mexico,and Texas. This 18-month program will leverage real-time weather data to proactively distribute supplies before extreme heat events, with the goal of reducing the number of heat-related emergency department visits. This is particularly crucial given the alarming rise in such visits – nearly 120,000 in 2023, double the average between 2018 and 2022, according to CDC data.
“as heat waves become more frequent and intense, we’re taking action to protect those most at risk,” stated Julie Varughese, Americares SVP of Programs and chief Medical Officer. “Healthcare providers at safety net clinics witness firsthand how environmental factors worsen existing health inequities within their communities.”
The program underscores the critical link between climate change, health disparities, and the need for targeted support to protect vulnerable populations from the growing threat of extreme heat.
