Richard Verduzco cools off at home during high temperatures in Phoenix in 2023. APHA affiliates have implemented strategies to combat the health harms caused by rising temperatures in the state.
Photo by Brandon Bell, courtesy of Getty Images
Many of APHA’s state and regional affiliated public health associations are concerned about the impact extreme heat will have on their populations. But they have doubts about their state government’s ability to protect residents, according to a recent APHA survey.
Extreme heat is a major threat to the health and well-being of communities around the world, causing millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths each year.
Although public health advocates have long warned of the risks, policy action has lagged. Addressing the threat will require coordination across sectors, according to Juanita Constible, MSc, senior advocate for environmental public health at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“Extreme heat is now a pressing and deadly public health hazard affecting all sectors of society,” he said. The health of the nation. “Professionals are sounding the alarm, but real solutions will require an all-hands-on-deck approach.”
Last summer, APHA and NRDC surveyed their members to assess state and local preparedness for extreme heat. Results from a survey of 35 members, released in February, found that nearly 90% were concerned about their state government’s ability to protect people during an extreme heat event in the next four years.
Will Humble, MPH, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said he is increasingly frustrated with the state of heat preparedness in his state.
In Arizona, extreme heat has caused a record number of deaths in recent years. In 2023 alone, nearly 1,000 people died from heat-related causes, according to state data. People who are homeless, mentally ill, and substance use disorders face elevated risk and are much more likely to die from heat exposure than the general population.
Humble said housing should be treated as essential infrastructure.
“What’s the best approach to saving lives in the summer: handing out water bottles under bridges or getting permanent supportive housing for people with serious mental illness?” humble saying The health of the nation.
But Arizona policymakers have been unwilling to act on supportive housing, he said.
Arizona is not the only one facing risks. Members said extreme heat has affected homeless services in their areas, with nearly half reporting a substantial impact. The associations also identified older adults, people of color, low-income residents, people with chronic illnesses and homeless populations among those most affected by extreme heat.
Meanwhile, two key barriers continue to limit efforts to initiate or expand heat-related policy advocacy: competing public health priorities and political opposition. More than half of members cited the urgency of other issues as their main obstacle. Up to 40% also noted resistance from influential sectors to heat-related solutions.
Despite these challenges, associations are working to promote heat preparedness and resilience through cross-sector partnerships and advocacy.
Respondents identified community organizations as their most important partners, followed by city services, state and local health departments, and environmental and climate justice groups. Health care systems, schools and religious organizations were also cited.
Several affiliates are already using these partnerships to promote local action. Public health associations in North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana have worked with APHA through their partnership with the Smart Surfaces Coalition to promote cooling strategies in their communities.
Other affiliates, including the New York State Public Health Association, have formed climate committees to guide work at the state level. A NYSPHA committee has developed a youth climate resource guide, convened youth climate focus groups, and supported the promotion of K-12 climate change education across the state.
APHA has also supported members and advocates through training and resources. In partnership with Climate for Health, a free online training program is available to help strengthen extreme heat preparedness and response efforts.
For more information about the 2025 Member Heat Survey and information on extreme heat, visit www.apha.org/calor-extremo.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
