By Jordan Sherwood, Communications Volunteer
Steve Medina first got involved with the American Red Cross mission as a platelet donor. Since 2018, he regularly makes a commitment to donate platelets more than a dozen times a year. “I have many reasons to donate platelets,” shared Steve. “Losing friends and family to this deadly disease of cancer provides me the courage and opportunity to help others. It gives them a chance for a second chance at life.”
Steve’s volunteer journey with the Red Cross began in 2021 thanks to a club he’s been part of for a decade, known as Toastmasters. According to Steve, “Toastmasters is an organization focused on developing public speaking and leadership skills.” It was during a Toastmasters meeting that Steve had a pivotal encounter with Ethan Walker, former Regional Prevention and Preparedness Manager of the Red Cross, who spoke about volunteer opportunities with the organization. From that moment on, Steve began his involvement with the Red Cross as a volunteer.
That encounter came full circle as Steve recently took on the the role of Preparedness Lead for Ventura County in the Pacific Coast Chapter. He describes his role as an outcome of his public speaking skills refined through Toastmasters with a passion to educate the public on the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Steve has been working on connecting Red Cross Preparedness curriculums with local organizations, and has been a devoted advocate for properly functioning smoke alarms, particularly through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign program.
This month, Steve represented the Red Cross and received a proclamation from the City of Thousand Oaks for National Preparedness Month.
Steve also plays a crucial role during local disasters, where he serves as a shelter worker helping displaced residents by all types of disasters. He makes it a point to engage in meaningful conversations over meals with evacuees, seeking to understand their stories and challenges. These experiences have helped him broaden his perspective and overcome biases, ultimately leading to a change in his viewpoints.
During the California Floods, Steve also contributed as a writer in the communications department during the floods and conducted disaster assessments across various counties, gaining insights into the community’s impact which helped inform the recovery needs.
Earlier this year, Steve had the opportunity to help Mississippi communities affected by devastating tornadoes, marking his first deployment experience. Steve adapted to the new environment quickly by proactively offering his assistance, earning him the nickname “the gopher” – someone willing to take on any task.
One of the hardest-hit areas Steve served in was Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where the devastation was heart-wrenching. Upon reflection, an emotional moment during his deployment was when he assisted a distressed woman in a shelter. She was initially hesitant to accept help; however, Steve’s compassionate approach and respect quickly changed her demeanor. He recalls her request for extra food for her children, and without hesitation, Steve provided what she needed.
As he moved on to different locations like Jackson, Louisiana, and saw the scale of the destruction, Steve was deeply affected by what he witnessed. He also highlighted the friendships he forged with fellow volunteers in Louisiana, emphasizing the joy that comes from volunteering at the Red Cross.
Steve Medina poses two essential questions for new volunteers: “Do you have compassion, and are you authentic?” He believes in the power of genuine human connection and encourages volunteers to engage with people from all walks of life. His willingness to undertake any task exemplifies the spirit of the Red Cross, and Steve’s dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside him. His actions reflect a deep commitment to our shared humanitarian mission.
With the increasing threat of climate disasters, it’s more important than ever during National Preparedness Month to prepare yourself and your loved ones for crises that could happen in your community. Visit redcross.org/prepare for information on how to take three simple and lifesaving actions now — get a kit, make a plan and be informed — or download the free Red Cross Emergency app, which also provides real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross disaster shelter locations and more.
Red Cross Central California Blog 