Managing Extreme Heat as a Public Health Crisis with Eugene Livar

In this timely episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with Dr. Eugene Livar, Arizona’s first statewide Chief Heat Officer, to explore how the state is tackling one of its most pressing public health challenges: extreme heat. As climate shifts continue to impact Arizona with longer and more intense heat seasons, Eugene shares how the Arizona Department of Health Services is responding with innovative strategies, cross-agency collaboration, and grassroots community outreach.

Dr. Livar brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience as a physician, epidemiologist, and now assistant director at ADHS. He explains how the Governor’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan came to life, the significance of Arizona’s first centralized heat resource hub (heat.az.gov), and how simple acts like checking on your neighbor can be life-saving.

Whether you're a public health professional, a policymaker, or a concerned resident, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a heat-resilient culture—and why equity and local partnership are key.

------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!