In late June 2021, the Pacific Northwest was hit with an unprecedented heatwave, brought on by record-breaking temperatures and resulting in heat-related injuries and deaths. The case revealed the extreme event and public health readiness of western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
In this case study, Shen reviews the emergency measures employed during this event, yet highlights the gaps in readiness and response. Shen highlights the systemic inequalities in disaster preparedness and equitable resource allocation felt by marginalized groups. Such imbalances must be addressed to reduce the threat of future hazards.