By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Pima County opened most of its cooling centers for the season Monday, May 4.
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The move comes ahead of rising summer temperatures, and county staff warned even short walks in the heat can be dangerous.
“We do see individuals come in that are overheated, and even walking from the bus stop to here in the summer can get very warm,” said Donna Ruthruff, Pima County Community Workforce Manager.
The Kino Service Center has served as a cooling center since the program began in 2023. In addition to providing job-related services, the site offers basic heat-relief supplies for anyone experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms.
“We have water, we have lip balm, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and these are cooling towels,” Ruthruff said. “Just… a nice place to sit and relax for a while.“
Earlier start, longer season
Even with overcast skies and a high near 84 degrees on opening day, the county said the goal is to start heat relief earlier and keep sites available longer.
“We’re always going to have an earlier start, we’re expecting it to be later, we’re expecting it to be hotter. I mean, that’s the trend,” said Betsy Camara, Heat Relief and Response Program Manager.
The county has recorded four heat-related deaths so far in 2026.
Officials also reported that emergency visits for heat illness increased by 13% last year, and they hope expanded resources will help bring that number down.
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“We are pretty excited that we have that many more partners signed up this season,” Camara said.
Team effort
County officials say 45 partners are participating this year to provide cooling centers, respite sites, and hydration stations.
They estimate that about 90% of locations were open on Monday, with the remaining sites expected to open by June 1.
Libraries will also serve as cooling spaces and allow attendees to get out of the heat.
The Ajo Community will have its own mobile cooling space, the COOLtainer. The COOLtainer will provide the same services as the other cooling centers.
The cooling centers will be open through October.
You can find the locations of the cooling centers HERE.
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