The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Regional Collaboration Network recently awarded $20,000 to Johnson County Public Health and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
The funds will support a new initiative titled Extreme Heat on Juneteenth!, one of ten proposals selected nationwide for its innovative approach to community resilience in the face of extreme heat.
The grant will help fund a community tabletop exercise on Friday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. The simulation will test local preparedness and emergency protocols in the event of a record-setting heat wave coinciding with Juneteenth celebrations.
“Extreme Heat doesn’t impact everyone equally,” said Nate Savage, emergency preparedness planner at Johnson County Public Health. “This exercise will bring together our emergency services, public health, and non-profit sectors to build realistic and equitable solutions. It’s an opportunity to prepare for the worst and strengthen existing services that provide for our most at-risk neighbors.”
In addition to the exercise, the funding will support development of a new Resilience Hub at the Neighborhood Centers. Designed to serve residents at heightened risk during “disruptive events,” the hub will function year-round, with support services that shift between “Everyday,” “Disaster,” and “Recovery” phases, which change “based on the phase and community-identified needs,” a release stated.
The project is being developed in partnership with Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, City of Iowa City and the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency.
The May 16 event will include presentations, scenario-based discussion modules, and an overall summary review.
