The annual Senior Chill Out, a one-day donation drive to collect new air conditioners, fans and/or funds to help seniors beat the heat, will be held by Council on Aging of West Florida, WEAR ABC 3, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 1620, and Lowe’s Home Improvement on Friday, June 15 at area Lowe's stores (Fairfield Drive, Airport Blvd. and Nine Mile Road in Pensacola; Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze; and Highway 90 in Pace) from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The community is encouraged to help seniors who experience dangerous health complications as a result of the stifling summer heat by donating merchandise or making a monetary contribution.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from heat waves each year than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of excessive heat due to their body's decreased ability to regulate temperature. They are also in danger because of medical conditions and prescription medicines that can impair their ability to feel hot or even perspire.
"The Florida summer presents a unique challenge for our clients and other older citizens," said John Clark, President/CEO of Council on Aging. "Imagine having no air conditioning in your home on those days that reach 90 or even a hundred degrees. It's extremely uncomfortable and very dangerous. There's really only one way to solve this problem: cool air. We provide that solution, thanks to our great community partners and donors."
Each year, hundreds of local elders are helped through the program. In 2017, Council on Aging was able to assist more than 500 at-risk older people avoid the costly and hazardous effects of heat-related health complications.
Information on heat stress and heat stroke will be available at the event, as well as information on how our community’s vulnerable seniors can receive donated AC units and fans.
2024 Council on Aging of West Florida
P.O. Box 17066
Pensacola, FL 32522
Phone: 850-432-1475
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Council on Aging of West Florida is compliant with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. Learn more at www.bbb.org.
