The Hero Care Network Never Sleeps

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer The voice on the line was barely audible when JoAnne Barsenas picked up the phone. In between sobs, the caller identified herself as the wife of a recently deployed sailor. She had only been married for a few months. She was all alone for the first time in her … Continue reading The Hero Care Network Never Sleeps

¿En Qué Puedo Ayudarle?

Helping the Red Cross Help the Community By Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer Volunteering with the Mass Care team in 2013, David Dees was the only Spanish speaking worker at a Red Cross emergency shelter set up for victims displaced by a structure fire in Oxnard. “I was completely overloaded,” David recalls. “The fire had … Continue reading ¿En Qué Puedo Ayudarle?

Coronavirus: Safety and Tips for You

The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as following the latest guidance from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). We know this is a stressful time and people want to know what they can do right now to protect themselves and their families. That is why … Continue reading Coronavirus: Safety and Tips for You

Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Red Cross Volunteer – Meet J.D. Slajchert

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer I immediately spotted J.D. as I approached the coffee shop for our meet up – he kind of sticks out from the crowd. I mean he’s literally a whole head taller than everybody else. I also noticed that he was looking down - just like everyone else sitting at … Continue reading Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Red Cross Volunteer – Meet J.D. Slajchert

How you can help cancer patients: Give Blood to Give Time

FACT: Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease. And there simply aren’t enough people donating regularly to meet the need. That’s why the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. … Continue reading How you can help cancer patients: Give Blood to Give Time

Celebrating Black History Month at the Red Cross

February is Black History Month and we are honoring the men and women who played  a pivotal role in shaping the American Red Cross. If it were not for these pioneers, the Red Cross would not be where it is today.  Frederick Douglass was a leading spokesman of African Americans in the 1800s and a … Continue reading Celebrating Black History Month at the Red Cross

Your Local Red Cross Needs You

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer “The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 emergencies each year,” said the team leader standing at the front of the room. ‘Yeah,’ I thought, sitting in the classroom filled with new recruits, ‘I’ve responded to a few thousand emergencies myself.’ “The Disaster Action Team provides shelter for people … Continue reading Your Local Red Cross Needs You

Red Cross Executive Director Barry Falke Promoted to Division Leadership Team

The American Red Cross Central Valley & Kern County Executive Director Barry Falke has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Division of the Red Cross. Falke will oversee the operations for Red Cross regions throughout the Pacific Coast of the United States, including California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and … Continue reading Red Cross Executive Director Barry Falke Promoted to Division Leadership Team

Red Cross Volunteers Helping Their Neighbors Affected by California Wildfires

By Diane Concannon The American Red Cross continues to provide relief to people affected by the Woolsey Fire in southern California with shelter, food and comfort. As evacuation orders are lifted and people are able to return to affected areas, the Red Cross is there with them. Drew and Amanda Haver are two of the … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteers Helping Their Neighbors Affected by California Wildfires

Red Cross Volunteer Gail Mcgaugh on “Why I Help”

By Sharon J. Alfred, Red Cross Senior Journalist Volunteer There are many reasons people choose to become Red Cross volunteers. According to Gail Mcgaugh, a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Central California, participating in a Red Cross Home Fire Campaign was an ideal way to learn fire safety tips and to get to … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteer Gail Mcgaugh on “Why I Help”