Objective:

During the summer months, extreme heat poses a significant health risk to vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Many individuals lack access to basic resources needed to stay cool and hydrated, leading to a high incidence of heat-related illnesses. This exacerbates existing health disparities and puts additional strain on healthcare services.

Solution:
In response to this pressing issue, Phoenix Allies for Community Health (PACH Clinic) launched the Heat Relief Backpack Initiative with grant funding from HeatReadyPHX and the City of Phoenix. This initiative aimed to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations by distributing backpacks filled with essential heat relief items, such as water bottles, cooling towels, sunscreen, and educational materials on staying safe in hot weather.

Additionally, the initiative included a comprehensive survey to assess patients' awareness of heat mitigation resources and to conduct the clinic’s first holistic needs assessment. This assessment aimed to better understand and address the medical and non-medical needs of our patients, enabling the clinic to tailor future services and interventions more effectively.

Outcome:
The Heat Relief Backpack Initiative had a profound impact on the community:

1. Immediate Relief:

a.) Distributed 150 backpacks, providing essential items to help individuals stay cool and hydrated during extreme heat.

b.) Reached a broad audience, including clinic patients and food pantry recipients, ensuring access to life-saving resources even for those not participating in the survey.

2. Increased Awareness and Education:

a.) Raised awareness about heat-related health risks and available resources, significantly improving the community's knowledge and preparedness.

b.) 94% of patients were previously unaware of cooling centers around the valley, addressing a critical information gap through our initiative.

c.) Educated patients on proactive measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, fostering a more health-conscious community.

3. Data-Driven Insights:

a.) Collected 150 surveys, providing valuable data on patients' awareness and concerns regarding heat-related health risks.

b.) Identified that 51.4% of patients worried more about their health during the summer months due to extreme heat, underscoring the need for continued support and education.

4. Holistic Needs Assessment:

a.) Conducted the clinic’s first comprehensive needs assessment, enabling a deeper understanding of patients' medical and non-medical needs.

b.) Used the insights gained to tailor future initiatives and improve service delivery, ensuring a more holistic approach to patient care.

5. Enhanced Community Engagement:

a.) Strengthened relationships with community members through direct engagement and support.

b.) Fostered trust and collaboration between PACH Clinic and the local community, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships.

Impact:
The Heat Relief Backpack Initiative not only provided immediate assistance but also created lasting benefits for the community. By addressing a critical health risk, increasing awareness, and conducting a thorough needs assessment, we enhanced the overall well-being of our patients. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to environmental health and emergency preparedness, showcasing our ability to design and implement effective solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Our proactive approach and data-driven insights position us as leaders in public health innovation. We are ready to collaborate with future clients to develop impactful, community-focused initiatives. By partnering with us, potential clients can expect comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for underserved communities.