People seeking refuge from the heat at cooling center in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD --   The extreme heat that's gripping the Ozarks has sent people to the hospital and cooling centers.

So far this year, Mercy has treated 52 people for heat related illnesses, and last week alone 12 additional people were sick pushing the total to 64.
    
A hospital spokesperson said the patients range in age from 8 to 86 and most are middle aged.
    
So far this season, the Springfield Greene County Health Department reports that a little more than 152 people have been treated for heat related problems.

As we break or tie record high temperatures, people have been taking refuge in cooling centers in Springfield.

The Salvation Army's 24-hour emergency cooling center saw a handful people pass through on Sunday.
 
Officials said it will stay open as long as the dangerously high temperatures stick around.
    
So far this year, the Salvation Army has activated its emergency cooling center on 54 days and provided shelter for 49 people.
    
In addition to a safe place to cool off, cold drinks are also available.