Cooling centers opening up around Yuma County
FOX 9's Adam Klepp visited two centers and has more on what to look out for this summer
YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - In 2021, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported over 30 people dying in Yuma County due to heat-related issues.
“Yes it’s definitely getting a little warm and we are a cooling station for Yuma County,” Miguel Villalpando with the National Community Health Partners, located on 24th Street said.
That is just one of many locations across Yuma where you can cool off this summer.
Carol brown with the Western Arizona Council of Governments says these symptoms could be a sign the heat is getting to you.
“Have you been drinking water, are you feeling flush, or suddenly not sweating," Brown said.
WACOG, on Redondo Center Drive is also a place where water and air conditioning is available to the public.
Brown says heat-related illnesses can get to anyone but some groups are more likely to be impacted.
"It is so dangerous, for our more vulnerable population, elderly adults get hit with dehydration so much faster, it can be really detrimental," Browin said.
While Yumans who are elderly, and those without stable housing are a majority of the ones using these local resources, the centers are available to anyone for any circumstance. Such as in-home air conditioning units breaking, or even pets on a walk that need a break from the sun.
"We have non veterans that stop by, who take advantage of the services we would provide for anybody,” Villalpando said.
Here is a list of locations in Yuma open to the public for water and air conditioning.
HOPE Inc., with their new location on 791 S. 4th Ave.
National Community Health Partners, at 255 W. 24th St.
Crossroads Mission Thrift Store, located at 550 W. 8th St., and the Crossroads Mission, on 944 S. Arizona Ave.
WACOG, located at 1235 S. Redondo Center Drive.
The Walmart located on 8151 E. 32nd St.
Locations are also available in Somerton and San Luis, including San Luis Walk-In Clinics, and the Family Behavior Integrated Health Services, on 1130 E. Main St.
