|
|
|
Community
918 / 585-5551 phone The Council is a citizen- Questions or comments Copyright© 2008 |
918-834-2665 The Tulsa Weather Coalition, a program of the Community Service Council, 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. Community Service Council's 2-1-1 Helpline coordinates the work of the Coalition and receives the requests for assistance.
The Tulsa Weather Coalition’s mission is to reduce 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 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 2-1-1 Helpline. Applications are processed by the TWC Coordinator, Dan Grimes. Home visits are conducted before air conditioners are installed by volunteers from numerous service clubs, congregations, and employee groups.
Click here for the Tulsa Weather Coalition Fact Sheet. Click here for the Tulsa Weather Coalition Air Conditioner Application.
|
