563 Incidence of Heat-Related Illness in the Emergency Department: A Comparative Analysis

Global temperatures are rising. Texas, the fourth hottest U.S. state, will experience a four-fold increase in 100°F days by 2036, raising concerns about the public health impact of heat-related illness (HRI), a spectrum of conditions ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke. Previous studies showed that rising temperatures are associated with increased hospitalizations and mortality, with vulnerable populations—such as minorities, low-income individuals, and those living in areas with inadequate housing—disproportionately affected due to social determinants of health.