Xavier Becerra, Secretary and Deputy Secretary & Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/xavier-becerra.html https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/andrea-palm.html
The National Heat Strategy will build resilience to heat and address heat-related health concerns.
(Washington, DC) – The federal interagency National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) today released a National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030. The strategy aims to promote proactive coordination related to heat planning, response, and resilience.
The federal departments and agencies involved in developing this strategy acknowledge the impact of heat on the health and well-being of humans, animals, and ecosystems, as well as associated economic and societal consequences. Roughly 1,220 people are killed by extreme heat in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making heat the nation’s leading weather-related killer.
"Extreme heat is not just an environmental crisis; it's a serious threat to our public health – and communities across the country are struggling to respond. What we're facing today wasn't what we were experiencing 30 or 40 years ago. This is a different world we are in,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The National Heat Strategy recognizes the growing threat of heat, especially on vulnerable populations. The federal government is taking steps to build a heat-resilient future for our entire country, from helping families get air conditioners to protecting farmworkers from heat events and unsafe air. Every action we take, and every dollar invested in prevention, preparation, and heat health resilience is a vital step towards ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.”
The strategy builds on the continuing efforts of 29 federal departments and agencies within NIHHIS, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These agencies work daily to address heat's impact on health.
HHS is already taking steps to achieve the objectives outlined in the strategy. Notable resources include:
- The experimental HeatRisk tool from CDC in partnership with NOAA’s National Weather Service provides a 7-day nationwide forecast indicating when temperatures may reach harmful levels.
- Clinical Guidance on Heat and Health from CDC offers clinicians patient-centered approaches for at-risk individuals during high temperatures.
- A new Heat and Health Index (HHI) tool launched by OCCHE provides ZIP code-level data on vulnerability to heat.
- An updated EMS HeatTracker monitors Emergency Medical Services responses to heat-related emergencies.
- An updated Administration for Children and Families Cooling Season Toolkit offers information about cooling assistance through LIHEAP.
- A new Building Blocks for a Heat Stress Prevention Training Program from NIH’s Worker Training Program helps reduce workers' risk of heat stress.
- SAMHSA's Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin addresses climate change impacts alongside expanded access to its Disaster Distress Helpline.
For more information on these initiatives visit relevant websites including HHS’ Office of Climate Change & Health Equity or Heat.gov.
Statements from HHS Principals:
ADM Rachel Levine emphasized an equitable approach: "Recognizing that extreme heat disproportionately affects communities with environmental justice concerns...the strategy acknowledges interconnections between health, environmental justice, well-being, and prosperity."
Dawn O’Connell noted ASPR's role: “ASPR will work with government agencies at all levels...to build a prepared, healthy, and resilient nation.”
Dr. Bob O. Valdez highlighted AHRQ’s contributions: “We are supporting research...on climate change's intersection with healthcare.”
Dr. Mandy Cohen underscored community tools: "Tools like CDC’s HeatRisk Dashboard give people information...and advice on how to stay safe."
Jeff Hild discussed protective measures: “Collective efforts continue...including lowering home energy costs through programs like LIHEAP.”
Alison Barkoff pointed out challenges faced by vulnerable groups: “Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for older adults...they often face barriers accessing services.”
Dr. Monica Bertagnolli stressed understanding health risks: "Understanding how higher temperatures exacerbate health risks is crucial."
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon focused on mental wellbeing: “It is important...to recognize evolving behavioral health impacts associated with extreme heat.”
