Published on August 25, 2025
TUCSON, AZ—On Monday, August 25, Mayor Regina Romero, Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz and the City of Tucson Climate Action Team and Housing First hosted the Arizona Department of Health and Arizona Lottery as they gather with volunteers and community organizations to assemble hundreds of heat relief kits. The Pima County Health Department (PCHD) served as a vital bridge, linking ADHS and Soles2Souls with the City’s heat-kit packing event, leading to the donation of more than 200 pairs of shoes for the unhoused community. PCHD also provided water bottles, electrolytes, cooling towels, and educational materials to be used for the heat-relief kits. “Extreme heat is a public health crisis that is disproportionately affecting our children, seniors, people living in mobile homes, and our unhoused neighbors.” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “In partnership with the State of Arizona, Pima County and our community partners, the City of Tucson is taking action to bring together the resources that people need to stay safe,” said the Mayor. “Thank you to the Arizona Lottery, Soles 2 Souls, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Pima County, and The City of Tucson for your donation and efforts this heat season. Responding to extreme heat requires long-term strategy and immediate interventions for individuals in need. We strive to ensure every Arizonan has access to what they need this summer. This includes the new statewide heat website, HEAT.AZ.GOV a one-stop shop for everyone with resources from cooling center locations to stay safe during heat season,” said Dr. Eugene Livar, Chief Heat Officer, Arizona Department of Health Services. “Extreme heat impacts everyone, and we believe it’s essential to keep our community informed and prepared,” said Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz. Protecting people from the impacts of climate change is one of the actions outlined in theTucson Resilient Together, Climate Action Plan. Actions like these are an important way that together we are demonstrating how shared resources, expertise, and community partnerships can make a meaningful impact in protecting people and advancing our resilience efforts. “The connections we’re able to make truly underscore the Health Department’s role in fostering collaborations that strengthen community support and resources to keep everyone safe during extreme heat,” said Nate Young, Heat Response and Relief Program Manager with the Pima County Health Department. “We’re excited to partner with the City on such meaningful projects.”