Developing climate-smart solutions to combat heat stress in vulnerable communities

Research Project

NIH-funded research Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10982801

This study is looking at how extreme heat affects the health of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, especially those in low-income communities, and it aims to find and test cooling solutions that work best for them in places like Boston, Madagascar, and South Africa.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard School of Public Health NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10982801 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the health impacts of extreme heat events, particularly on racial and ethnic minority and low-income populations. It employs a community-centered approach to assess how heat stress affects health outcomes in different settings, including urban and rural areas in Boston, Madagascar, and South Africa. By utilizing standardized questionnaires and collaborating with local organizations, the project aims to implement and evaluate culturally appropriate cooling solutions to enhance resilience against heat stress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in low-income or marginalized communities who are at risk of heat-related health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in areas affected by extreme heat or who are not part of vulnerable populations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that protect vulnerable populations from the adverse health effects of extreme heat.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in implementing community-based interventions for health impacts related to climate change, indicating a promising approach for this project.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Chronic Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.