PHOENIX — There have been 12 confirmed heat-related deaths so far this year, according to the latest data from the Maricopa County Public Health Department.

MCDPH Assistant Medical Director Nick Stave said: Ministry collects data on heat-related deaths Since 2006.

The first heat-related death of the year on the Phoenix subway was on April 11. In addition to the 12 recorded Week of July 2nd to 8th55 were under investigation.

During the same period last year, 17 deaths from heatstroke were confirmed and 126 were under investigation.

“You’ll notice that there are fewer cases under investigation now than in 2022, and that may have something to do with the temperatures we’ve seen at the beginning of summer,” Staab said. KTAR News 92.3 FM on thursday.

“We are also increasing opportunities for people to escape the heat through our Heat Relief Network.”

Staab said his authorities recorded a record 425 heat-related deaths in 2022, a 25% increase from the previous year.

“In the public health field, we know this is a real threat to the public. [we] We want to convey a message of prevention,” he said.

“All of these deaths are preventable deaths. So if people can make plans to protect themselves from the heat, they can be prevented.”

Maricopa County Heat-Related Deaths Statistics

Certain demographics are at higher risk of experiencing heat-related deaths.

Staab said overall data showed that about 80% of the cases in the Phoenix area were men.

“We also know that for men, the 50- to 64-year-old age group tends to be the most represented in the data, and that’s actually the demographic we think is most at risk,” he said.

About half of the deaths so far this year have been homeless, according to a weekly report.

Heat-related deaths are more common among homeless people, but Staab emphasized that everyone is at risk.

“I don’t want anyone to think they’re safe. We’re all living in this heat together,” he said.

“What we really want to stress is that everyone needs a plan to know where they can go to stay out of the heat in the event of a power outage, or if they have loved ones who may be struggling to find somewhere out of the heat.”

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Maricopa Government Association heat relief network Expanded the number of places to cool off in the Phoenix Subway.

The program runs from May 1st to September 30th each year and offers over 200 cooling and resting centers, hydration stations and collection points throughout the Valley.

“During the hottest part of the day, it’s very important to have places where people can escape the heat and cool down,” Staab said.

Taylor Tasler of KTAR News 92.3 FM contributed to this report.