Red Cross Central California Blog
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
By Kaytlin Crough, American Red Cross Disaster Leader My name is Kaytlin Crough, and I currently serve as the Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Central California Region of the American Red Cross. It’s an honor to reflect on a moment in our shared history that changed the way many of us view disaster … Continue reading A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire
By Cynthia Rodriguez, Communications Volunteer Bold. That is how one could describe the ambitious, driven and altruistic Annika Garcia. Annika comes from humble beginnings as a first-generation Latina, and often visited her mom at work. Her mom’s work in the medical field introduced Annika to the American Red Cross. On one of her visits to … Continue reading Celebrating Young Leaders: Annika’s Journey with the Red Cross
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When climate disasters strike, they often do so unevenly. Tulare County, California, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, which is testing the community’s limits. From record-breaking heatwaves to food insecurity and aging infrastructure, the stakes are high. But through the American Red Cross Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County
“Once somebody is helped by the Red Cross, they never forget it. They’ll never forget how the Red Cross came in and helped them, and it’s around the country, it’s around the world—the Red Cross is out there making a difference everywhere, every day.”Julie Doyle By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Named after the … Continue reading Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle
On International Nurses Day, Debby Dailey received the Florence Nightingale Medal for exceptional nursing service and dedication. With over 40 years at the Red Cross, she has responded to numerous disasters, mentored future healthcare professionals, and advocated for inclusivity. Her humanitarian efforts have significantly impacted communities and inspired countless individuals.
By Margarita Moreno, Community Adaptation Program Manager On the outskirts of unincorporated Tulare County, the rural community of Allensworth came together this April for a Wildfire Readiness Expo that combined critical safety information with shared meals, family activities, and trusted local connection. Co-hosted by the American Red Cross Central California Region and its Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community-Led Readiness: Allensworth Hosts its First-Ever Wildfire Readiness Expo
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Elvia Pacheco-Reyna hasn’t left her nursing days behind; they just look a little different now. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a nurse, a sentiment reflected in her carefully curated collection of photos, including one of her holding a stethoscope. “I always said I’d … Continue reading From Scrubs to Service: Elvia’s Continued Commitment to Care
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Wesley Hammer, volunteering with the American Red Cross is more than just giving back—it’s a calling. From his first experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder to taking on leadership roles in disaster relief efforts, Wesley has dedicated his time and energy to supporting communities in … Continue reading Making an Impact: Wesley Hammer’s Red Cross Volunteer Story
By Cynthia Rodriguez, Red Cross Communications Volunteer How are we helping communities in disaster-prone areas become more resilient? By partnering with mission-driven people like Aide Hernandez through our local Community Adaptation Program (CAP). For Aide, her deep commitment to her community is personal. Born and raised in Poplar, Tulare County, Aide is no stranger to … Continue reading Aide Hernandez is a Missing Piece of the Recovery Puzzle
Written by Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer What do you do when you watch the news and see natural disasters devastate whole communities? People like Michelle Brown jump in to serve. Twenty years ago, Michelle saw Richard Temple, the American Red Cross Executive Director of Kern County at the time, on the news asking for volunteers to … Continue reading Women Who Serve with Courage and Compassion
Red Cross Central California Blog 