01-05-2025
NC Department of Health and Human Services begin operation fan relief
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Leaders in North Carolina are taking steps to help everyone stay cool as the weather gets hotter.
Operation Fan Heat Relief, a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services program, will begin Thursday and run until Oct. 31.
PREVIOUS | Operation Fan Heat Relief to provide fans in North Carolina from May to October
People age 60 and older, along with adults with disabilities, are eligible for fans or air conditioners in their homes.
'Operation fan heat relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer months,' said Jill Simmerman Lawrence, Deputy Director for the Division of Aging at NC DHHS.
She says when we start to see record high temperatures, seniors are the most at risk.
'It's important because older individuals with chronic medical conditions are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature and they may be taking medications that worsen the impact of extreme heat,' said Simmerman Lawrence.
That includes high blood pressure medicine.
In 2024, the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services received an $86,000 donation allowing for the distribution of more than 3,600 fans and 36 air conditioners in 94 counties.
Simmerman Lawrence says this year, they expect the need to be great.
'I believe with hurricane Helene impacting western North Carolina and people's finances needing to go to building their homes, we actually might see an increase in need, especially in western North Carolina.'
You can click on the link here to learn more about the program and see if you are eligible.
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