New cooling shelter opens in The Dalles

The Gloria Center’s cooling shelter is located 2505 W. Seventh St., The Dalles. Cooling bundles can be picked up at the Gloria Center, or at the Hood River office, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hood River Office is located at 606 State St., Suite B.

To get a cooling bundle in Sherman County, check the Sherman County Office of Emergency Management, or email Mitzi Mason at mmason@mccac.com .

“Our Cooling Shelter at The Gloria Center will provide a crucial refuge during the upcoming, dangerous heatwave,” said Kenny LaPoint, Executive Director of MCCAC, in a press release. “It’s imperative that we offer a safe space and essential resources to protect vulnerable community members from the severe heat.”

Some people are more at risk than others from heat stroke, including outdoor workers, infants and the elderly and those with existing chronic medical conditions.

Heat-related illnesses among these populations may increased as heatwaves occur more often, and at higher temperatures, in Oregon, according to an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) press release.

OHA’s tips for staying healthy in heatwaves include:

• Staying cool and drinking lots of liquid, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with lots of alcohol or sugar.
• Limit exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when temperatures are hottest.
• Open windows at night to bring in cool air, and close south- and west-facing windows in afternoon hours.
• Use portable electric fans to push hot air out of rooms, or draw in cool air from outside. But don’t rely on fans as a primary cooling device.
• Wear loose, light clothing.
• Use cool compresses, misting and cool showers or baths.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
• Never leave infants, pets or children in parked cars.

Check on at-risk friends, family or neighbors several times a day. Heat illnesses can make it hard to think clearly, meaning people could be in danger without realizing that they are.

Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy; muscle cramps; excessive sweating; a weak, rapid pulse; and cool, pale, clammy skin, according to North Central Public Health District.

To help a person with heat exhaustion, get them to a cooler, air-conditioned place and, if they’re fully conscious, encourage them to drink water.

Signs of serious heat stroke may include a throbbing headache; confusion and loss of consciousness; a rapid, strong pulse; nausea or vomiting; a body temperature above 103 degrees; and red, hot skin. If this happens, call 911 and cool the person off fast, by laying them in cool water, or by dousing them with it.

For public transportation to the cooling shelter, check for schedules, routes and dial-a-ride options at www.mcced.org/link .

Hood River and Wasco county residents who are enrolled in PacificSource insurance through the Oregon Health Plan are eligible for a free ride to a shelter, or to family/friends who have air conditioning, using Non-Emergent Medical Transportation. Call 855-397-3617 for more information.

More emergency weather resources and information on MCCAC’s services are online at www.mccac.com .

For cooling shelter questions, contact Mitzi Mason at mmason@mccac.com  or 541-965-1172.

Insurance can cover air conditioning

Oregon Health Plan now covers air-conditioning and other devices needed for health and well-being in heatwaves, through a federally-funded expansion of health-related social needs (HRSN).

OHP services can include non-medical items that help people stay cool and healthy, like air conditioners, air filters, mini-refrigeration units and portable power supplies.

OHP members can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card holders can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com.

If unsure which plan or CCO you are in, call OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557.

OHP members who don’t qualify for HRSN climate devices can still contact their CCO to see what’s available through “flexible services” (also called “health-related services”). And Open Card holders who don’t qualify can still call 1-888-834-4304 for information on local programs that might help.

Finding other cooling shelters

Across Oregon, the cooling spaces opened by each county will be listed online at 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

For more information on county shelters:

Call 211, or 1-866-698-6155, or TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Available 24/7.

Text your ZIP code to 898211 (TXT211), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Email help@211info.org, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Language interpreters available by phone; text and email available in Spanish and English).