Community Health Adaptation & Resilience Mobilization (CHARM) Lake County
Public Health Institute, California
Summary
Extreme heat events pose serious health risks, especially for communities with limited access to cooling, transportation, or social support. This study pilots and tests HEATwise, a heat preparedness program delivered at trusted community centers in Lake County, California, serving older adults, Tribal members, and people experiencing housing or economic hardship. HEATwise is a 12-week program which includes a group workshop on heat risks and preparedness, one-on-one resource navigation, a community celebration event, and a cooling and emergency supply kit. The pilot phase (2026) will assess feasibility and acceptability at three sites with approximately 60 participants. The full trial (2027-2028) will randomly assign eight sites to receive HEATwise immediately or after a delay, measuring whether the program increases protective behaviors, reduces heat-related symptoms, and strengthens resilience over 12 months.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible participants are adults (≥18 years) who have resided in Lake County for at least 6 months, are able to access a phone for study communications, and are willing to provide a valid secondary contact for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants must also be a recognized member or affiliate of a articipating site, referred by the site, or reside within 5 miles of the site. Individuals are excluded if another household member is already enrolled in the study, if they cannot provide a secondary or emergency contact, are unable to independently c…
Interventions
- BehavioralCHARM HeatWise
HEATWise consists of structured, facilitator-led training sessions on extreme heat preparedness and response, distribution of heat resilience kits, and community engagement activities designed to promote protective behaviors. The intervention is delivered at the cluster (site) level in community-based settings and focuses on reducing risk of heat-related illness and improving individual and community resilience.
Location
- Big Valley RancheriaLakeport, California