Box Fans offered to prevent heat related deaths
{Davidson County Senior Services}
Press Release:
Heat-related deaths among older adults in North Carolina are a significant concern, particularly during the summer months. National data indicates that individuals aged 55–64 years account for the highest percentage of heat-related deaths, comprising 19% of such fatalities between 2018 and 2020. The percentage of heat-related deaths increases with age, reaching 7% among those aged 85 and older.
In North Carolina, between 1999 and 2017, there were 225 heat-related deaths, with 25 occurring in the workplace. The highest rates of occupational heat-related deaths were observed among males, Hispanic workers, and individuals aged 55–64 .
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to factors such as chronic medical conditions, medications that impair heat response, and reduced ability to sense and respond to temperature changes . In Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, older adults have the highest rate of heat-related emergency department visits. Despite this, there has been only one heat-related death among adults aged 65 and over since 2011.
To mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses, the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services operates the Operation Fan Heat Relief program, which provides fans to older adults and individuals with disabilities to help maintain a comfortable living environment during hot weather.
