For vulnerable adults in Arizona the heat of the upcoming summer poses a serious health risk. In reposne, local and county government officials have teamed up with faith-based groups to establish a plan of action to assist those who are most at risk.

For many elderly in Arizona limited budget force a tough decision between paying for food and medicine or for utilities to keep their homes cool. During the summer of 2005 there were more than 30 heat related deaths in Phoenix. The coalition hopes to avoid a repeat of those tragic deaths during the upcoming summer.

Many elderly people would rather suffer in silence that to ask for assistance. Others simply do not realize how hot their homes have become when the heat reaches levels that pose a serious health risk. With the growing elderly population combined with the downturn in the economy there may be a greater number of elderly individuals who need assistance this summer.

The group says it has made great strides in ensuring that residents are properly hydrated, distributing more than 190,000 bottles of water, according to an article in the Arizona republic.

While anytime there is a loss of life it is tragic, this is especially true when those deaths could have been prevented through education and proper intervention. Heat related deaths are preventable if those at risk are given the proper resources to keep themselves cool. Hopefully this collaboration of public and private groups will be effective in its efforts to identify elderly residents who need help.

Source: Arizona Republic "Arizona network gears up to help homeless during summer months" William Hermann, April 20, 2011