Operation Cool Down offers Tulsa County veterans lifesaving A/C relief

With temperatures climbing across Oklahoma, a local organization is stepping in to help those most vulnerable stay safe and cool. Through a newly renamed initiative called “Operation Cool Down,” Oklahoma Veterans United (OKVU) is working to provide free single-room A/C units to veterans and others who qualify in Tulsa County.

What was once known as the Tulsa Weather Coalition has been rebranded to reflect the program’s renewed focus on helping veterans. However, the mission remains the same: protect residents whose health could be at risk during extreme summer heat.

Who the Program Helps

Operation Cool Down is specifically focused on low-income veterans who don’t have access to air conditioning during the hottest months of the year. Applicants must live in Tulsa County and meet certain income or medical requirements.

Cindy Blackshear, who manages applications for OKVU, said the work is both personal and urgent.

“I really feel gratified that we are helping people who really do have health issues that could die from the heat,” Blackshear said. “To know that we can help these people is very gratifying.”

The group will have already installed four A/C units this summer by the end of this week and plan to install more as requests come in.

A Health Lifeline for Vulnerable Residents

Mark Morgan, OKVU’s community executive liaison, said the units have already made a noticeable difference in recipients’ lives.

“The last three that we've done have all been ladies that had some health conditions and it was extremely hot,” Morgan said. “Now, for the rest of the summer, they'll be able to sleep well. So it's really satisfying there, and I'm glad we're able to do it.”

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an A/C unit through Operation Cool Down, applicants must:

1. Live in Tulsa County
2. Have no working air conditioner in the home
3. Be enrolled in a public assistance program or meet low-income guidelines
4. Have limited mobility or difficulty accessing cooler areas during peak heat hours
5. Non-veterans must also have a qualifying medical condition that becomes life-threatening in extreme heat and is verified by a doctor's statement. This does not apply to veteran applicants.

How You Can Help

Oklahoma Veterans United relies on community donations and support to meet the growing need for cooling units. If you want to donate to this initiative or if you are looking to apply for an air conditioning unit, you can visit the Oklahoma Veterans United website.