In a move to offer relief from the scorching summer heat, Pima County has announced the opening of a new Cooling Center on its west side, situated in the Mission Annex facility at 1801 S. Mission Road, with operations starting this coming Monday, August 5, as per the official announcement.

The Cooling Center's doors will welcome community members seeking respite from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the weekdays, while on weekends they can cool off from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the setup provides water and seating in an air-conditioned environment, making the scorching summer days a bit more bearable for everyone, especially for those without such comforts at home.

"Based on the geography and demographics of the area, the opening of this facility broadens the network of Cooling Centers across Pima County," said Jen Darland, director of the Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions, according to Pima County. She elaborated on the strategic location and its significance, considering the limited access to similar resources in this part of the region and the higher risk of heat-related illnesses or death in mobile home units. The facility is expected to become heavily relied upon by the community.

The comprehensive coverage by the Cooling Center is assured by the staffing from multiple County departments seven days a week, and the center's location is another bonus, situated on the northeast corner of South Mission and West Silverlake roads, it's accessible since it sits on a direct SunTran bus line—this factor alone could potentially mean the difference between overheating at home and finding a cool haven in time.

Residents interested in learning more about dealing with the heat, recognizing heat illnesses, or navigating power outages during the hotter months are encouraged to visit the Beat the Heat website, which includes a map pinpointing Cooling Center locations county-wide, ensuring the public knows exactly where to head when the mercury rises to worrying levels.