Operation Fan Relief is underway
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging is partnering with the N.C. area agencies on aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief from May 1–Oct. 31.
People 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance from May 1–Oct. 31 at local aging agencies across the state. Since 1986, the relief program has purchased fans for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing them with a more comfortable living environment and reducing heat-related illnesses.
The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion and Valassis. Operation Fan Heat Relief allows regional area agencies on aging and local provider agencies to purchase fans for eligible individuals. Local provider agencies can also purchase a limited number of air conditioners based on a person’s specific health conditions.
Last year, the division received $86,000 in donations, allowing for the distribution of 3,097 fans and 21 air conditioners.
As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, and they may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer.
In addition to applying for fans, people age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, can take the following steps during high temperatures:
Increase fluid intake
Spend time in cool or air-conditioned environments regularly
Reduce strenuous activity during the afternoon
Speak with their physician before summer about how to stay safe while taking medication that can affect the body's ability to cool itself (e.g., high blood pressure medications)
Davidson County Senior Services is delighted to announce Operation Fan Heat Relief 2024. Senior Services recognizes the inevitable need for proper air conditioning and wants to give back to the community to prevent heat exhaustion this summer.
Eligible candidates should meets the following requirements:
60 years of age or older, with a disability.
Home situation: a threat to health or well being is present.
Must be a resident of Davidson County.
Senior Services encourages everyone that meets these requirements to contact the office which is located at 555-B West Center St. Ext. in Lexington or 211 West Colonial Dr. Thomasville. The office may be reached by phone at (336)-242-2290.
Fans may be picked up while supplies last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
