The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new tool aimed at helping communities prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly among those most vulnerable. The Heat and Health Index (HHI), launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on National Heat Awareness Day, is the first nationwide tool to provide heat-health outcome information at the ZIP code level.

The HHI will assist state and local officials in identifying communities most likely to experience negative health outcomes from heat, ensuring that outreach and medical aid reach those who need it most. It also aims to help decision-makers prioritize community resilience investments.

"All across the country, communities are battling to keep people cool, safe, and alive in the face of dangerous, record-setting heat made worse by the climate crisis," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "With the hottest months ahead of us, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking important steps to protect communities by giving advance understanding of the dangers before heat waves hit."

Heat is currently considered the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States. According to CDC estimates, at least 1,220 people die annually due to heat events. The National Climate Assessment indicates that climate change is driving record-breaking high temperatures and dangerous heat waves globally.

The HHI combines historic temperature data with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data on heat-related emergency responses from the past three years. It also includes data on community characteristics such as pre-existing health conditions, socio-demographic information, and environmental factors. This comprehensive approach provides a final heat and health index ranking by ZIP code.

Public health officials, city planners, and policymakers can use this tool to identify areas most at risk and prepare these communities for upcoming heat events. For instance, public health officials can establish cooling centers in high-risk ZIP codes during a heat wave. City planners can implement strategies like increasing tree canopy cover or access to air conditioning based on HHI data.

"Heat can pose a threat to our health but with the right tools we can protect our communities," said Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, Director of CDC.

The development of HHI involved collaboration between several federal agencies including ATSDR’s Geospatial Research Analysis and Services Program (GRASP), HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) Climate and Health Program among others.

“While communities may already know they have a problem with heat they may not know which solutions might have greatest impact,” stated Admiral Rachel Levine Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS.

Dr Aaron Bernstein Director ATSDR & NCEH added “HHI opens window onto what may make one community more sensitive than another.”

For more information about Heat & Health Index visit here or explore features OCCHE website further details federal initiatives related visit [heat.gov](http://heat.gov).