Potential Increase in Heat Related Illness Emergency Department Visits 8/23/23-8/24/23

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for southwest and southeast Michigan on Wednesday 8/23 and Thursday 8/24. Some of the southernmost counties like Hillsdale, Branch, and St. Joseph are under an excessive heat watch for the same period.

Additionally, EGLE has issued an air quality alert for Ozone for the SW portion of the state on Wednesday into Thursday. Check airnow.gov for more information on air quality forecasts and alerts.

Here are some resources and information that will be helpful for public messaging and responding to concerns for Heat-related Illness (HRI):

MDHHS Heat Resources:

Michigan Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, also available in Spanish, Arabic, and Bengali 

Michigan Prepares – Extreme Heat 

For people without air conditioning:

• If someone in the home is at least 55 years old, or if air conditioning is medically necessary, apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) by visiting MI Bridges.
• Text or call Michigan 211 (mi211.org)
• Use a buddy system – check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you
• Spend some time at a shopping mall, public library, or other public buildings – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.

The CDC has a series of resources related to heat-related illness:

Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Ozone Resources:

Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Air Quality Index Page https://www.deqmiair.org/

For more information on ozone and health, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Health Effects of Ozone Pollution”.

MDHHS Environmental Health Services:

Email – MDHHS-DEHresponse@michigan.gov

EH Hotline – 1-800-648-6942 (Monitored M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)