Why This Matters
Weather-related harms and illness are of the most pressing public health concerns. Vulnerable groups such as older adults and outdoor event attendees face increased risk. Piloting interventions in these populations will inform a scalable strategy for reducing weather-related illness.
Our Approach
In Year 1, we are conducting pre-pilot activities in Nevada that will lead to the development of a package of interventions for preventing heat-related illness (HRI). The priority setting we will address is large outdoor events. Partnering with Hot August Nights and the University of Nevada, Reno, we are piloting strategies to reduce HRI among attendees. Activities include tailored heat safety plans, public awareness materials, volunteer training, and access to cooling stations and supplies. The pilot will be evaluated, and proven interventions will be packaged and disseminated to state, local, tribal, and territorial (STLT) partners.
Community Location
Pilot activities are based in Reno, Nevada and focused on urban large-scale events
Community Partners
This work is being done in collaboration with:
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Hot August Nights (event organizers)
Who We're Serving
- Older adults and other vulnerable populations attending large outdoor events
What We Hope to Change
The intervention seeks improve preparedness and response to weather-related harms and illnesses among vulneralbe populations by:
Specifically, it aims to:
- Increasing public awareness of heat safety practices at large gatherings
- Reducing incidence and severity of heat-related illness during events
- Expanding STLT capacity to implement and scale evidence-based strategies across Region 9