As excessively high temperatures grip Oregon, cooling centers are being activated across the state to provide refuge from the heat. The Oregon Department Of Human Services (ODHS) is collaborating closely with 211info to disseminate crucial information and ensure the safety and well-being of all Oregonians, particularly those most susceptible to heat-related illnesses during this period of intense heat.
“Health and safety are our utmost concern during this significant heat wave,” stated Ed Flick, Director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). “We are urging all residents to prioritize looking after each other and to fully utilize the resources that are readily available. If you find yourself or know someone who is unsafe at home due to the heat, please do not hesitate to call 211 or visit 211info.org. These resources can help locate cooling centers and provide information on other hot weather assistance in your vicinity. In the event of a medical emergency due to heat, please call 911 immediately.”
The Oregon Department of Human Services is actively engaged with local partners to guarantee that cooling centers throughout Oregon are adequately staffed and fully equipped to meet the needs of the community. A key focus for ODHS is the efficient distribution of essential resources to these cooling locations. This includes providing vital supplies such as bottled water and climate control solutions like air conditioning units, aiming to directly address immediate health concerns and proactively prevent heat-related illnesses. As of July 4th, ODHS has successfully delivered an impressive 14 pallets, which equates to 1,176 cases of water bottles, to various partners. These partners include churches, shelters, and community-based organizations that are dedicated to serving vulnerable populations across Oregon.
Furthermore, to enhance accessibility to cooling centers, the Oregon Department of Human Services and 211info have established partnerships with several transportation services. This collaboration aims to offer rides to individuals who need to reach cooling centers but may lack transportation. Residents are encouraged to call 211 to inquire about the transportation options available in their specific local area.
Kerry Hoeschen, 211info’s Statewide Emergency Management Director, emphasized the readiness of their services, stating, “211info operates around the clock, 24/7, and our dedicated team is prepared to answer all inquiries regarding heat-related resources, the locations of cooling centers, and available transportation options. We have also increased our staffing levels to ensure that we can provide prompt and efficient responses to all calls during this critical time.”
In a continued effort to protect vulnerable populations, the Oregon Department of Human Services is also working in conjunction with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and various community-based organizations to distribute air conditioning units. As of July 4th, ODHS has successfully distributed 616 air conditioning units to community-based organizations. It is important to note that this distribution initiative is separate and distinct from the program previously reported by OHA earlier in the week. The ODHS program is specifically designed to deliver units to individuals and communities who may not be recipients of the Oregon Health Plan, ensuring broader reach and support. Collectively, these agencies anticipate the delivery of over 1,500 air conditioning units throughout the duration of this heat event, significantly bolstering community resilience.
Locating Cooling Centers in Your Area:
- Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155: Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Visit 211info.org:
- To select your preferred language, click on the globe icon located at the top right corner of the page.
- For housing and shelter information, click the house icon, then select “severe weather shelter” and subsequently “extreme heat cooling centers.” Alternatively, you can directly visit 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources.
- Enter your zip code to efficiently search for cooling centers in your immediate area.
For Organizations Offering Cooling Options:
If your organization has cooling options available, such as clean water, splash pads, or shelter, please contact 211info’s Resource Team:
- Call 503-416-2698
- Email [email protected]
