Opinion: Access to Air Conditioning is Critical Preventive Care, Not Optional

Experts Charles E. Leonard and Anthony Nicome argue that access to air conditioning should be recognized as essential preventive healthcare rather than a luxury. Heat-related illness poses serious risks to vulnerable populations, including those with chronic conditions, elderly individuals, and low-income communities. Federal policy currently fails to prioritize cooling access as part of basic health infrastructure, despite evidence of its life-saving benefits. This gap in policy leaves millions without adequate protection from extreme heat exposure, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase mortality rates during heat waves.