ONSLOW COUNTY, NC— Onslow County Senior Services is encouraging the public to take advantage of ‘Operation Fan Heat Relief’ (OFHR) during the sweltering summer temperatures. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), a person’s body becomes less likely to sense temperature changes as one ages. Medications may also impact one’s sensory responses to extreme heat. OFHR is a summer program through NC DHHS to reduce heat-related illnesses in older adults and adults with disabilities. The NC DHHS website states: “Since 1986, Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolinas, Dominion Resources, and the Valassis Giving Committee have made contributions through the Division of Aging and Adult Services to Area Agencies on Aging to purchase fans in support of OFHR…no public money is associated with this summer program.”
The OFHR program runs until October 31, 2017. Onslow County Senior Services currently has fans available for distribution. To receive a fan, residents must meet the following criteria:
1. Must reside in Onslow County.
2. Must be an adult 60 years of age or older or with a disability.
3. Must have a home situation where a threat to health or well-being exists.
If you are interested in requesting a fan, or would like more information, please call:
Onslow County Senior Services
(910) 455-2747
To learn more about the OFHR Program through NC DHHS, click here.
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