Significant disparities were found in heat-related emergency medical services (EMS) activations across U.S. counties, with socially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt of the impact, according to a new study.
The research, led by Dr. Hao Yu from the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, analyzed data from the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) and found that counties with higher Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) scores experienced substantially higher rates of heat-related EMS activations.
Counties in the highest SVI quintile had a 64% higher odds of experiencing heat-related EMS activations greater than 200% of the national average, compared to those in the lowest quintile. Similarly, counties in higher ADI quintiles also faced increased odds of these emergencies.
The study highlights the disproportionate impact of heat-related health issues on communities that are already at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and have lower access to primary care. Dr. Yu and his team emphasize the need for targeted interventions and resources to support these vulnerable populations.
The research was supported by grants from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Institute of Nursing Research. The findings underscore the urgent need to address health disparities and protect vulnerable communities from the growing threat of climate change-related health risks.
“County-Level Disparities in Heat-Related Emergencies” (March 19, 2024)
