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Even In Digital Age, Heatline Proves Critical

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is activating its Heatline once again, today. You can reach it at 215-765-9040.

Even in the digital age, the program still offers a critical service.

The Heatline was established in 1994 in Philadelphia according to supervisor Heidi Gambino.

"So, we've been doing this a long time. And, it was created following the summer of 1993. Because of the heat wave then, there were 118 heat-related deaths in Philadelphia."

She says in the years since, heat-related deaths in the city are down. And, even in the age of social media and information at more fingertips than ever before, she says the calls keep coming and lives are saved.

"Our average day is about 450 calls and that number can double in days when the heat is so high and the days go on, it becomes more and more oppressive."

Gambino wants to remind everyone that there is no such thing as a silly question and they take calls from people of all ages.

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