Philadelphia Corporation for Aging activates Heatline

Posted 6/29/12

As a result of the National Weather Service’s declaration of an “Excessive Heat Warning,” Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will activate its HEATLINE:

Friday, June 29, Noon to …

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Philadelphia Corporation for Aging activates Heatline

Posted

As a result of the National Weather Service’s declaration of an “Excessive Heat Warning,” Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will activate its HEATLINE:

Friday, June 29, Noon to midnight, 

Saturday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. to midnight

Sunday, July 1, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

PCA’s HEATLINE phone number is 215-765-9040.

At PCA’s HEATLINE call center, a team of trained staff will counsel callers of all ages about precautions to take against the heat and detecting signs of heat stress.  City Health Department nurses will be on-site to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat.  Mobile relief teams from the Health Department will respond to situations requiring intervention, and 911 will be called for emergencies.

 

Neighbors, friends and relatives are urged to look in on elderly persons, as they who may be especially vulnerable to the heat.  The elderly, individuals with chronic medical conditions, those on medication, and persons who live alone and receive few visitors are encouraged to call PCA’s HEATLINE for advice on coping with the heat.  In addition, callers may contact PCA’s HEATLINE on behalf of another individual who may be at risk for heat stress. 

 

PCA’s HEATLINE is a non-emergency telephone service – IT IS NOT A FAN OR AIR CONDITIONER DISTRIBUTION SITE.  PCA’s HEATLINE staff can provide information about recommended air-conditioned locations and year-round senior services.

 

The HEATLINE was previously activated this year on May 28 and 29 and on June 20 through 22 for a total of five days. A total of 632 calls were received in that time. During 2011, the HEATLINE was activated three times, for a total of eight days and fielded a total of 1,326 calls.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), a private, non-profit Area Agency on Aging, was established in 1973 to coordinate social services for Philadelphians who are older who have disabilities and to assist them in achieving optimum levels of health, independence, and productivity. One of the region’s largest non-profit organizations, PCA is funded in part by the federal Older Americans Act, Medical Assistance, and the Pennsylvania Lottery, all channeled through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. For information on PCA’s services and programs, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 (toll-free 888-482-9060 (outside Philadelphia); TDD 215-765-9041) or visit www.pcaCares.org.

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