Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the country, according to the National Weather Service. Older adults can also be at a heightened risk, especially those who live alone or have limited mobility.

Twenty-five years ago, the news of 21 heat-related deaths in the Kansas City metro inspired us at Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) to launch a program that has been saving lives ever since.

Project ElderCool operates during the summer months, and we deliver and install air conditioning units free of charge to local seniors and medically vulnerable neighbors. To date, BSC has installed nearly 6,000 A/C units — all through compassionate support.

We believe homes are a refuge, and no one should have to face the deadly heat of a Kansas City summer. Just this month (July 2025), the Midwest has issued a major heat advisory. And BSC’s Project ElderCool is running stronger than ever in its 26th year.

Last week, staff, volunteers, and our generous partner A.B. May were in full force in neighborhoods across KC, installing vital A/C units just before the soaring temperatures hit.

This initiative not only enhances physical comfort but also cultivates a sense of community solidarity, showing that no one is left behind in the face of adversity. It is a meaningful opportunity to engage with residents and hear their stories – and deliver life-saving relief from extreme heat.

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