[PHOENIX] – Thirteen-year-old Ethan Cohen delivered a donation of 750 cases of bottled water to Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) to help keep homeless individuals safe and healthy this summer. As part of his Bar Mitzvah community service project, Ethan wants to ensure that everyone in his community has access to water during these hot summer months. Since January of this year, Ethan has been collecting donations of bottled water from his friends, family and local companies and has since collected an estimated 18,000 individual bottles of water.
Each summer Arizona emergency rooms have nearly 2,000 visits for heat-related illnesses. Further, between 2000 and 2012, there have been more than 1,500 deaths from exposure to excessive heat in the state – which averages to 118 individuals each year. The nearly 8,000 men, women and children experiencing homelessness in the Valley are particularly vulnerable during these months. Their exposure to the summer’s elements not only increases their chances for heat-related illnesses, but also increases the potential for death. By distributing bottled water and safety information, CASS can help ensure the homeless stay hydrated and healthy during the hot summer months.
Each summer Arizona emergency rooms have nearly 2,000 visits for heat-related illnesses. Further, between 2000 and 2012, there have been more than 1,500 deaths from exposure to excessive heat in the state – which averages to 118 individuals each year. The nearly 8,000 men, women and children experiencing homelessness in the Valley are particularly vulnerable during these months. Their exposure to the summer’s elements not only increases their chances for heat-related illnesses, but also increases the potential for death. By distributing bottled water and safety information, CASS can help ensure the homeless stay hydrated and healthy during the hot summer months.
