Clinical Research Directory

Community Health Adaptation & Resilience Mobilization (CHARM) HeatWise

Extreme heat events pose serious health risks, especially for communities with limited access to cooling, transportation, or social support. This study pilots and tests HEATwise, a heat preparedness program delivered at trusted community centers in Lake County, California, serving older adults, Tribal members, and people experiencing housing or economic hardship. HEATwise is a 12-week program which includes a group workshop on heat risks and preparedness, one-on-one resource navigation, a community celebration event, and a cooling and emergency supply kit. The pilot phase (2026) will assess feasibility and acceptability at three sites with approximately 60 participants. The full trial (2027-2028) will randomly assign eight sites to receive HEATwise immediately or after a delay, measuring whether the program increases protective behaviors, reduces heat-related symptoms, and strengthens resilience over 12 months.

Structural Heat Adaptation and Education in Rural Setting

This study aims to understand whether simple, low-cost interventions, such as improved home cooling, practical advice, and minor home modifications, can help protect people's health and quality of life during periods of extreme heat in rural, low-income villages of Matiari, Pakistan. Key Questions the Study Seeks to Answer: 1. Can these interventions reduce heat-related health problems such as dizziness, headaches, and heatstroke and quality of life? 2. Can they lower indoor temperatures and improve sleep quality, comfort, and daily functioning? To answer these questions, researchers will compare communities where families receive heat-related support and information with similar communities that do not, to assess any differences in health and well-being. What Participants Can Expect: * Answer questions about their health, living conditions, and how they cope with heat * Have small temperature sensors placed inside their homes * Some participants may wear a lightweight wristband that tracks sleep and heart rate * In selected households, cooling improvements will be made, such as adding shade, applying reflective roof paint, or enhancing airflow Purpose: This study seeks to identify affordable and effective strategies to help families stay safe during extreme heat, and to use these insights to support other vulnerable communities facing similar challenges.

Structural Heat Adaptation and Education in Urban Setting

This study aims to understand whether simple, low-cost interventions, such as improved home cooling, practical advice, and minor home modifications, can help protect people's health and improve quality of life during periods of extreme heat in densely populated, low-income neighborhoods of Karachi, Pakistan. Key Questions the Study Seeks to Answer: 1. Can these interventions reduce heat-related health problems such as dizziness, headaches, and heatstroke and improve the quality of life? 2. Can they lower indoor temperatures and improve sleep quality, comfort, and daily functioning? To answer these questions, researchers will compare communities where families receive heat-related support and information with similar communities that do not, to assess any differences in health and well-being. What Participants Can Expect: * Answer questions about their health, living conditions, and how they cope with heat * Have small temperature sensors placed inside their homes * Some participants may wear a lightweight wristband that tracks sleep and heart rate * In selected households, cooling improvements will be made, such as adding shade, applying reflective roof paint, or enhancing airflow Purpose: This study seeks to identify affordable and effective strategies to help families stay safe during extreme heat, and to use these insights to support other vulnerable communities facing similar challenges.

Treatment of Exertional Heatstroke witH icE wAter Soaked Towels

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is the most serious form of heat-illness that can occur during sports and exercise. If not recognized and treated immediately mortality rate of EHS is high. Early recognition and initiation of cooling are paramount. If temperature is reduced to \< 40°C within 30 minutes of symptom onset, most patients recover completely. There are several strategies for cooling in EHS, including cooling with rotating in ice water soaked towels which cover the body of a patient. The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of treatment of EHS with ice water soaked towels to lower body temperature.