The Weather Coalition is an innovative initiative designed to prevent death or worsening of health problems among frail elderly and other medically fragile people during the extreme heat of Tulsa's summers. 

Households which meet health and income criteria may receive loaned window air conditioning units, donated and installed by volunteers.  Most recipients have limited mobility and are low-income.  Medical criteria include congestive heart failure, emphysema, renal dialysis treatment, burns, HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. 

In summer 2003, as of July 23, 200 room size air conditioners had been loaned with another 25-50 to be available for installation soon.   

These air conditioners have been installed by Southeast Tulsa Jaycees, Tulsa Jaycees, Tulsa Southeast Kiwanis Club, and the Weather Coalition's special volunteer, Bill Miller.  The Tulsa Fire Department installed one unit on an emergency basis.  AEP/PSO stores the units during the cooler months.  Financial support for the Weather Coalition's service results from gifts from individuals, businesses, and foundations.     

Community Service Council's Helpline coordinates the work of the Coalition and receives the requests for assistance.  Other agencies and community groups, including Public Service Company of Oklahoma, participate in Coalition planning and implementation.  "Sherry Thurman is the air conditioner loan coordinator -- doing a wonderful job coordinating applications, home visits and a.c. installations," says Jim Lyall, who oversees the program as Assistant Executive Director of the Community Service Council.     

Related to the Weather Coalition, Lyall facilitates the Heat Coalition, composed of EMSA, the National Weather Service, Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, Tulsa City County Health Department, The Salvation Army, and Tulsa County Social Services.  This coalition promotes health education and issues alerts or advisories when temperatures reach the danger level. 

"We think the combined efforts of the Weather Coalition and Heat Coalition result in a lower rate of heat-related deaths when compared to the rest of the state," says Lyall. 

The Tulsa Weather Coalition reduces loss of life and costly hospitalizations caused by the extreme temperatures and humidity of summer. The Coalition originated in 1980 in response to a heat wave that claimed the lives of 13 Tulsa residents. The program aims to prevent heat related deaths and illnesses through public education and by loaning room size air conditioners to low-income, seriously ill persons.

Frail and seriously ill Tulsans, at-risk of hospitalization or death from heat related illnesses, receive home visits, extensive information and education about dealing with life-threatening heat and other conditions, and, if eligible, are loaned a room sized 5,000 BTU air conditioner. Most clients have limited mobility and are not able to access other cool environments with relatives or friends. Most air conditioner recipients are over 55 years of age and have serious lung or heart disorders. Some newborn infants and adults with disabilities are also eligible for an air conditioner loan.

Clients apply for Tulsa Weather Coalition services by calling Helpline. Applications are processed by the TWC Coordinator. Home visits are conducted by various partnering agencies. Air conditioners are installed by volunteers from numerous service clubs, congregations and employee groups. TAUW Day of Caring volunteers annually clean some units in the homes of the most severely disabled air conditioner recipients. Helpline telephone specialists assist in responding to requests, and the Helpline Program Director oversees the program.

In 2003, out of 753 requests, the Weather Coalition was able to assist the 220 highest risk eligible clients.

The Tulsa Medical Examiners Office has reported no 2003 heat related deaths for Tulsa County.
 

 

This summer, the Weather Coalition's loaned air conditioners have been of great help to 220 people -- including this long-time Tulsa resident and her husband, who have health conditions which are made more dangerous by hot weather.

"Barbara Barrett's disability limits her mobility and qualifies her for SSI; however, it is her wonderful spirit that motivates the volunteer work she does on behalf of her church.  She is very gracious toward others, including the Tulsa Weather Coalition."  - Jim Lyall

Despite Tulsa's very hot summer weather, no heat-related deaths were reported in 2003.