New York's Cooling Assistance Program closed its applications just as heat levels rose, affecting many low-income residents. Each summer, around 580 New Yorkers die prematurely from heat, particularly those with chronic illnesses. Black New Yorkers face double the risk of heat-related deaths compared to their white counterparts. Many lack air conditioning, a critical cooling resource, leading to significantly higher mortality rates. The rising costs of electricity further complicate access to cooling solutions. The Home Energy Assistance Program, intended to help, is often underfunded and limited in scope, leaving many vulnerable individuals without necessary support during extreme heat.
The Cooling Assistance Program stopped accepting applications just as temperatures began to soar, heavily impacting thousands of low-income New Yorkers during a heat emergency.
An estimated 580 New Yorkers die prematurely each summer due to heat, revealing a dire public health issue exacerbated by chronic health conditions.
Black New Yorkers are twice as likely to die from heat stress as white New Yorkers, highlighting significant equity issues in heat-related mortality.
Approximately 11% of New Yorkers lack air conditioning, while in some Bronx neighborhoods this number exceeds 20%, revealing significant disparities in access to cooling.
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