<i>Notes from the Field:</i> Assessment of Awareness, Use, and Access Barriers to Cooling Centers in Maricopa County, Arizona — August 1–September 15, 2023

Heat-related deaths* in Maricopa County, Arizona (population approximately 4.5 million) increased approximately tenfold from 61 in 2014 to 645 in 2023 (1), and the number of cooling centers (volunteer facilities such as libraries, places of worship, and community centers that provide daytime air-conditioned space and water to members of the public) doubled from 56 (2) to 112 (C.Warner, Maricopa Association of Governments, personal communication, October 2023).During 2019-2023, the county experienced an annual average of 36 days with a daily high temperature 110F ( 43.3C) (3).Drug and alcohol use, homelessness, living alone, and increased age have been identified as risk factors for heat-related deaths in Maricopa County (1).Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) conducted a survey to evaluate awareness, use of, and barriers to accessing cooling centers among cooling center visitors (visitors) and potential visitors (the public).This activity was reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and