Clear Channel Outdoor and Maricopa County Launch Campaign to Display Critical Local Heat Relief Resources

Rhea-AI Summary

Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) and Maricopa County are launching their second annual digital billboard campaign to combat heat-related deaths in Phoenix. Running from May 12th through mid-October 2025, the campaign will promote awareness of 200+ local heat relief sites and the free 24/7 211 information service.

The initiative comes after Maricopa County reported its first decrease in heat-related deaths in a decade, with 602 confirmed deaths in 2024, down from 645 in 2023, despite Phoenix experiencing 113 consecutive days at or above 100°F. The 211 Arizona service provides live operators in English and Spanish from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, helping residents locate cooling centers, transportation assistance, utility support, and emergency A/C repairs.

Positive

• First decrease in heat-related deaths in a decade (602 in 2024 vs 645 in 2023)
• Strategic partnership with local government entities enhancing CCO's community presence
• Extended campaign presence spanning May through October, maximizing exposure

Negative

• Billboard space being donated rather than generating revenue
• Campaign limited to specific geographic region (Maricopa County)

For the Second Consecutive Year, the Digital Billboard Campaign Will Expand Awareness and Provide Resources During the Hottest Months of the Year

PHOENIX, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) and Maricopa County are teaming up for a second year in a row to reduce heat deaths in the region.  A new digital billboard campaign will educate and alert residents and visitors across the Valley about critical, local heat relief resources, specifically 200+ local heat relief sites that can help them stay cool during Arizona's dangerous late spring and summer time heat. The campaign, which launched on May 12^th and runs through mid-October, is also supported by the Maricopa Association of Governments, 211 Arizona and the City of Phoenix.

"We are grateful to Clear Channel for donating their billboard space for a second straight year to help us spread this important safety message," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2.  "Extreme heat can kill, whether you're out in the sun or inside without proper cooling.  So don't wait.  If you're in a heat emergency, call 211 and get the help you need."

Last year, Maricopa County saw its first decrease in heat-related deaths in a decade, according to data from Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). Preliminary data shows 602 confirmed heat-related deaths in 2024, down from the record-setting 645 in 2023. Heat deaths dropped even during a record hot stretch in which the Phoenix metro area experienced 113 straight days at or above 100° F.

"Keeping our residents safe during extreme summer heat is a top priority. That's why we're providing respite sites with overnight and extended hour options," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "We're grateful for our partnership with 211 Arizona, MAG, Clear Channel Outdoor, and Maricopa County to get the word out to ensure residents are aware of these lifesaving resources." 

"We are proud to partner with our fellow community stakeholders to help amplify public awareness of the resources available to our residents during periods of life-threatening heat," said Adriane Youngblood, President, Arizona division, Clear Channel Outdoor. "As a Phoenix resident, I am hopeful that our medium can help educate our community on how to quickly access the assistance they need whether it's locating a cooling center or finding other heat relief resources. Everyone in our community is entitled to the knowledge needed to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of extreme heat."

The digital billboards, donated by Clear Channel Outdoor, will help promote the free, 24-hour 211 information service that can assist people experiencing heat emergencies. 211 Arizona live operators will take calls, in English and Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help residents find nearby cooling centers, transportation help, utility support, or emergency A/C repair during the 2025 heat season. When live operators are not available, callers will still be able to connect with resources by selecting from an automated menu. Resource connections and further information are also accessible online at 211Arizona.org.  

For information on heat illnesses and prevention, visit Maricopa.gov/heat.

For real-time heat data, visit the new MCDPH dashboard.

About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCO) is at the forefront of driving innovation in the out-of-home advertising industry. Our dynamic advertising platform is broadening the pool of advertisers using our medium through the expansion of digital billboards and displays and the integration of data analytics and programmatic capabilities that deliver measurable campaigns that are simpler to buy. By leveraging the scale, reach and flexibility of our diverse portfolio of assets, we connect advertisers with millions of consumers every month.

About Maricopa County

Maricopa County is one of the nation's fastest-growing counties, home to more than four and a half million people.  Together, through nearly fifty line of business including public health, public safety, and elections, Maricopa County employees work on behalf of all residents to provide programs and services that improve quality of life at a great value to taxpayers.  We believe in service that helps you solve a problem, move forward with a project, manage a difficult situation, or simply check something off your list.

About City of Phoenix

Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States. We're a vibrant, growing city and a great place to live, work, and play! Explore our website for news and to learn about city services. Follow us on social media.

About Maricopa Association of Governments

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provides a forum for local and tribal governments working together on issues that affect the lives of everyone in the greater Phoenix region. MAG develops and coordinates the Heat Relief Network interactive map that identifies hundreds of locations where people can find shade, water, and indoor cooling, as well as where to donate supplies. The network is active from May 1 to September 30.

About 211 Arizona

211 Arizona, originally known as Community Information and Referral Services, was founded in 1964 and incorporated as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1979. In 2017, Solari, Inc. acquired the program, which transforms lives by linking individuals and families to vital services throughout Arizona. www.211arizona.org

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SOURCE Clear Channel Outdoor

FAQ

What is Clear Channel Outdoor's (CCO) heat relief campaign in Maricopa County?

Clear Channel Outdoor is running a digital billboard campaign from May to October 2025 to promote awareness of 200+ heat relief sites and the 211 information service in Maricopa County, helping residents access cooling centers and heat emergency resources.

How successful was the previous year's heat relief campaign in Maricopa County?

The campaign contributed to the first decrease in heat-related deaths in a decade, with deaths dropping from 645 in 2023 to 602 in 2024, despite Phoenix experiencing 113 consecutive days at or above 100°F.

What services does the 211 Arizona heat relief program offer?

211 Arizona provides 24/7 service with live operators (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) in English and Spanish, helping residents find cooling centers, transportation help, utility support, and emergency A/C repairs.

How long will CCO's 2025 heat relief billboard campaign run?

The campaign runs from May 12th through mid-October 2025, covering the hottest months of the year in Arizona.