A Lifeline for Homeless Individuals Amidst Rising Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-Related Illnesses on the Rise as Extreme Temperatures Take Their Toll

The scorching sun beats down on Phoenix, Arizona, where temperatures regularly soar into the triple digits. For Alfred Handley, a 59-year-old homeless man, the heat poses a serious threat. He leans back in his wheelchair, grateful for the help he's receiving from a street medicine team.

Circle the City, a non-profit organization, has launched an IV rehydration program to protect vulnerable individuals like Handley from life-threatening heat illness. The program provides essential care to those who often lack access to traditional healthcare services.

Dr. Liz Frye, vice chair of the Street Medicine Institute, acknowledges the growing need for such initiatives. "The amount of people requiring treatment for heat illnesses is rising," she says. "It's certainly something to worry about."

The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program has also witnessed a surge in heat-related cases. Dr. Dave Munson, the program's medical director, notes that homeless individuals are particularly susceptible due to their exposure to extreme temperatures and potential health conditions.

Circle the City's street team actively seeks out patients in encampments, alleys, and along canals. Nurse practitioner Perla Puebla explains, "We go out every day and find them. We do their wound care, medication refills for diabetes, antibiotics, high blood pressure."

The team encountered Handley and Phillip Enriquez, another homeless individual, near an overpass frequented by those seeking free meals. Enriquez received an IV drip, antibiotics, and a referral to a dentist.

Living outdoors in Arizona's intense heat presents significant challenges, especially for those with mental illness or substance use issues. Dr. Matt Essary, who works with Circle the City's mobile clinics, highlights the dangers of surface burns and dehydration.

Extreme heat is a global concern, and healthcare providers are working to address its impact on vulnerable populations. Physician assistant Lindsay Fox, who cares for homeless individuals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, emphasizes the need for proactive measures.

Circle the City plays a crucial role in providing respite care and after-care services to homeless patients in Phoenix. Rachel Belgrade, a Native American woman who lost her blood pressure medication, expresses her gratitude for the organization's support.

As temperatures continue to rise, initiatives like Circle the City's IV rehydration program become increasingly vital in protecting the health and well-being of those most at risk from heat-related illnesses.