Maricopa County Public Health investigate heat-related deaths

PHOENIX (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - 111 heat deaths are under investigation, 30 more than last year.

Maricopa County Public Health has been tracking these types of deaths since 2006.

Over the years, they've created a dashboard with data tracking who is dying and why. It tracks the age and race of those who have died along with whether their was drug or alcohol use and even if they were considered homeless.

Over recent years, they've also focused on indoor heat deaths and whether the person had air conditioning and whether it was being used at the time of the death.

Nick Staab, the Assistant Medical Director of Public Health. says the reports are used to track which populations need resources.

"We are really trying to quantify and tell the story of how severe the heat is and the impact on the community especially those who are especially vulnerable and high risk. We're going to use that data with a wide variety of partners, to say that is really a true risk here at Maricopa County and we want to plan for it in the future so we can prevent as many of these deaths as possible."

Nick Staab, Asst. Medical Director, Public Health

There's also more data on heat-related illness, all based on local Emergency Department and in-patient hospital visits.