The Rapha Clinic of West Georgia, a faith-based nonprofit providing healthcare services to uninsured adults, has been awarded a $2,500 Extreme Heat Anticipatory Action Pilot Project Grant from Americares, a disaster relief and global health organization, to help local patients stay safe during the hottest months of the year.
The grant allows Rapha Clinic to assemble and distribute “Beat the Heat Kits” to patients who are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Many of the clinic’s uninsured patients face financial barriers that make it difficult to access basic supplies needed to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness.
Each kit contains a portable fan, mini misting fan, cooling towel, reusable water bottle, electrolyte powder, sunscreen, antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream and educational materials with information on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
These Beat the Heat Kits are still available at Rapha Clinic, located at 253 East Highway 78 in Temple, for individuals in need during the ongoing heat wave. Community members who could benefit from these supplies are encouraged to stop by the clinic while kits remain available.
“Extreme heat can have serious health consequences, particularly for individuals with chronic medical conditions and limited access to cooling resources,” said Dr. Amy Eubanks, Medical Director at Rapha Clinic. “These kits provide practical tools to help our patients stay safe while also giving them important information about protecting themselves and their families during dangerous heat.”
The project is part of Americares’ Extreme Heat Anticipatory Action Pilot Project, which helps healthcare organizations prepare for and respond to the growing health impacts of extreme heat. By providing cooling supplies and educational resources directly to patients, Rapha Clinic hopes to reduce heat-related illnesses and improve overall health outcomes in the communities it serves.
“We are incredibly grateful to Americares for investing in the health and well-being of our patients,” Dr. Eubanks said. “This partnership allows us to meet an immediate need while demonstrating our commitment to caring for the people in our community.”
To learn more about Rapha Clinic’s mission, visit www.raphaclinic.org or contact Emma Swales, Development Director of Rapha Clinic, at [email protected].
