STATE EP Alert 4.7.2026
Heat-related Illness
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released 2026 Health Advisory #6 today, April 7, to remind health care providers about the threat of heat-related illnesses and death as we move into the spring and summer months. The information and resources are valuable for providers throughout the state.
Health care providers, including home and community-based services agencies, must anticipate and prepare early for an increase in heat-related illnesses and complications among vulnerable populations. Note that financial assistance options may be valuable for your home care staff as well.
Using air conditioning is still the best defense during an extreme heat event but often is not financially feasible for the vulnerable New Yorkers you serve. Remind those without air conditioning that applications open on April 15 for assistance programs for lower income residents.
- The New York City Home Energy Assistance Program provides up to $1000 for window or wall sleeve air conditioner (for existing wall sleeves), including installation. Applicants must meet all five criteria to be eligible, including income level limits and having a vulnerable individual in the home as defined by the program.
- The NYS Cooling Assistance Benefit is administered via HEAP. Eligible New Yorkers can receive up to $1000 for air conditioning. There are income and citizenship requirements, along with other conditions to be met.
- The Essential Plan Cooling Program is a NYS-funded cooling assistance program for Essential Plan members with certain health conditions. Air conditioner assistance can go up to $1100 depending on style and installation. Fans are provided when an air conditioning unit cannot be safely installed.
Both programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so encourage your eligible patients and staff to apply quickly on April 15. Applications close when funding is exhausted.
Those in NYC and Westchester may be eligible for energy discounts from Con Edison’s affordability program. Other regions have utility assistance programs as well.
Additional reminders in the Health Advisory include:
- Most who die from heat-related illness do not have or use AC and succumb in their homes.
- Strongly encourage people who do not have or use an AC (e.g., due to energy costs) to visit family, friends, or neighbors, even for a couple of hours to stay cool when their home is too hot.
- Be sure patients know where cooling centers are, noting that these are only open during declared events.
- For people who may use medications that can impair thermoregulation or cause dehydration or who have health conditions sensitive to fluid balance, medication regimens may need adjustments, and self-monitoring is critical for safety.
- Remind your field staff to avoid overheating as they travel, as well as to be vigilant in homes that are not well cooled.
- Monitor weather alerts and check on high-risk patients often during times of extreme heat. Know the factors that increase vulnerability. Be sure workers are aware of weather conditions and the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
