In Arizona’s largest county, more than 600 people suffered heat-related deaths in 2023, shattering previous years' records as temperatures continue to soar in the region.
In Maricopa County, a preliminary report from the county’s Public Health Department found that at least 645 people died from heat-related causes last year, a 52% increase compared to the previous year.
The report shows that as temperatures reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit during almost every day in July of last year, deaths spiked.
Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, shared with NBC News that the report shows the connection between climate change and social issues, as the county’s homeless population was hit hard by the extreme heat last July.
“The increasing trend in heat-related deaths is very concerning from a public health standpoint,” Sunenshine said. “We need to do a lot more to expand our heat relief activities and make sure every person in Maricopa County has access.”
The report shared that at least 45% of the heat-related deaths reported in Maricopa County in 2023 involved those who were homeless, while 65% involved drugs, alcohol, or both substances.
Men also made up more than 75% of the heat-related deaths, the report showed, while two-thirds were people 50 or older.
The report showed the increased number of heat-related deaths over the last decade, as in 2014, only 61 such deaths were reported.
Even more concerning, Sunenshine says that the deaths could be even worse as some cities in the county may not be reporting them correctly.
“Nearly every single heat-related death is preventable,” Sunenshine said.