DOH Warns of Health Risks from Extreme Heat, Mass Gatherings This Summer
(June 15, 2026) Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) issued two advisories urging health care providers to prepare for heightened summer health risks driven by extreme heat and large-scale events across the state.
The first advisory, issued June 10th, advises providers to closely monitor vulnerable populations — including older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and those without access to air conditioning — and proactively encourage hydration, cooling measures, and symptom awareness.
The second advisory, issued June 11th, warns providers that major events and increased tourism this summer (e.g., Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup activities, U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations) may drive surges in health care utilization, communicable diseases, and heat-related illness. Providers are encouraged to take detailed travel and vaccination histories whenever potentially clinically relevant, remain alert to both common and emerging infections, and reinforce prevention strategies with patients and residents.
Providers should review emergency preparedness plans, ensure that cooling systems and generators are operational, and be ready for potential surges in patient volume.
Contact: Jeff Diamond, jdiamond@leadingageny.org