Jacksonville Mayor Deegan hosts U.S. Secretary for Health Rachel Levine for city’s ‘Cooling Center Plan’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan called it an “honor to host” Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Monday as the city announced its 2024 “Cooling Center Plan.”
Levine visited Jacksonville and met with the city’s Excessive Heat Task Force led by Deegan, Chief Health Officer Dr. Sunil Joshi, city agencies, and community partners to discuss plans to respond to extreme heat in the community.
Levine shared his visit on social media and said how “Federal tools” like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Heat and Health Index “can help.”
Levine also toured one of the city’s cooling centers and called them “extremely integral as we work to protect individuals from extreme heat & build a more heat resilient future.”
“Climate solutions are health solutions,” Levine said.
According to the city, cooling centers are aimed at offering relief from extreme temperatures, serving as safe havens for cooling down, rehydrating, and escaping the heat. Providing these resources aims to reduce instances of heat-related illnesses within the community.
The Emergency Preparedness Division of Jacksonville will initiate the city’s heat response protocol upon issuance of either a heat advisory, forecasting a maximum heat index of 108 degrees – 112 degrees for three or more days, or an excessive heat warning, predicting a maximum heat index of 113 degrees or higher for any period, according to the city.
Cooling centers will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays at facilities with air conditioning and water provided by the Salvation Army.
Six facilities in Jacksonville are considered cooling centers including:
- The Legends Center – 5130 Soutel Drive
- Highlands Regional Library – 1826 Dunn Avenue
- University Park Library – 3435 University Park Blvd North
- Main Library – 303 North Laura Street
- Beaches Library – 600 3rd Street
- Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library – 6887 103rd Street
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will supplement the facilities when closed or when capacity is a concern. Each Cooling Center will be staffed with facility personnel, volunteers, and security on-site. Additional locations will be identified and opened as required.
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