CHARM HeatWise for Heat-Related Health Risks

(CHARM Trial)

This trial tests a program called CHARM HeatWise, designed to help people prepare for extreme heat events. It focuses on residents of Lake County who face challenges such as limited cooling options, transportation, or social support. Participants will engage in a 12-week program featuring workshops, resource navigation, and a cooling and emergency kit. The study aims to determine if this program can encourage protective actions and reduce heat-related issues. It is ideal for adults who have lived in Lake County for at least six months and can access a phone for study communications. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for community health challenges.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that programs like HEATwise are generally safe and easy for participants. Studies on similar programs aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses have found they can reduce both the frequency and severity of these conditions. For instance, a program that educated outdoor workers about heat stress reported fewer heat-related illnesses after its implementation. This suggests that educational and support programs like HEATwise can be beneficial without causing harm. These programs emphasize teaching and providing resources, not medical treatments, and typically have no negative side effects.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the CHARM HeatWise program because it offers a fresh approach to managing heat-related health risks, which are becoming more common due to climate change. Unlike standard methods that might focus solely on hydration or cooling centers, the HeatWise program is an educational intervention designed to proactively equip people with knowledge and adaptive strategies to handle extreme heat. This program's unique focus on immediate and delayed educational interventions could empower communities to better protect themselves against heat stress and related conditions, potentially leading to a more resilient population in the face of escalating temperatures.

Research has shown that community programs can reduce heat-related illnesses. Studies have found that heat action plans decrease deaths and illnesses during very hot weather. These plans typically include education and resources to keep people safe. Programs that teach about heat risks have successfully reduced injuries and costs, particularly for those most at risk. By encouraging protective actions and building resilience, these programs help people manage extreme heat more effectively. This trial will compare two approaches: the Immediate HEATWise intervention, provided shortly after enrollment, and the Delayed HEATWise approach, where participants receive the intervention the following year. This is especially important for those with limited access to cooling or social support.¹²³⁴⁵