#USA #Phoenix #Maricopa County #Clear Channel Outdoor #heat relief

Clear Channel Outdoor and Maricopa County Step Up Heat Relief Initiatives

Clear Channel Outdoor and Maricopa County are joining forces for the second consecutive year to combat heat-related issues in the region. This year’s campaign, featuring a series of digital billboards, aims to inform and guide both residents and visitors on accessing vital heat relief resources during the scorching Arizona summer months. The initiative commenced on May 12, 2025, and will run until mid-October.

The new digital billboard campaign is designed to promote awareness about over 200 local heat relief sites, which offer refuge from the intense heat. This is especially important during the late spring and summer when temperatures can reach dangerous levels. The campaign represents a collaborative effort backed by multiple organizations, including the Maricopa Association of Governments, 211 Arizona, and the City of Phoenix.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin emphasized the need for effective communication regarding heat safety. He stated, “We are grateful to Clear Channel for donating their billboard space for a second straight year to help us spread this important safety message. Extreme heat can kill, whether you're out in the sun or inside without proper cooling. So don't wait. If you're in a heat emergency, call 211 and get the help you need.”

In a notable development, Maricopa County recorded its first dip in heat-related deaths in a decade last year, with preliminary data indicating 602 confirmed cases in 2024, down from a previous high of 645 in 2023. This decrease occurred even during a period when the Phoenix metropolitan area faced a staggering 113 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 100°F.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the city's commitment to keeping residents safe amidst the sweltering summer temperatures. She noted, “Keeping our residents safe during extreme summer heat is a top priority. That's why we're providing respite sites with overnight and extended hour options.” Gallego expressed gratitude for the partnerships involved in disseminating crucial information on resources available to local communities.

Adriane Youngblood, President of the Arizona division of Clear Channel Outdoor, voiced pride in collaborating with various community stakeholders to enhance public awareness of heat relief resources. “As a Phoenix resident, I am hopeful that our medium can help educate our community on how to quickly access the assistance they need – whether it's locating a cooling center or finding other heat relief resources. Everyone in our community deserves the knowledge necessary to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of extreme heat,” she stated.

The digital billboards will prominently feature information about the free, 24-hour 211 service, available to assist individuals facing heat emergencies. Live operators can help in both English and Spanish and are reachable daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. Residents can find cooling centers, receive transportation support, and gain utility assistance or emergency A/C repair help through the service. After hours, callers can still connect with resources through an automated menu, with additional information accessible via the website 211Arizona.org.

For those seeking knowledge on heat illnesses and prevention strategies, resources can be found at Maricopa.gov/heat. Additionally, real-time data on heat conditions is available through the new dashboard managed by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).

About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
Clear Channel Outdoor is a leading entity in the out-of-home advertising sector, committed to innovation and community engagement. The firm continues to utilize its expansive network of digital billboards and displays to reach millions of consumers.

About Maricopa County
As one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, Maricopa County supports a population exceeding 4.5 million through more than fifty lines of business, including public health and safety initiatives, aimed at improving residents' quality of life.

About the City of Phoenix
Ranked as the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix is a dynamic and thriving location that provides a plethora of services to enhance residents' lives.

About the Maricopa Association of Governments
MAG acts as a collaborative platform for local governments to address regional issues and develop solutions beneficial for the greater Phoenix area.

About 211 Arizona
Initially formed under the name Community Information and Referral Services in 1964, 211 Arizona now operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting individuals with crucial resources across Arizona.