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.
Written by Anna Kumor, Red Cross Volunteer Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., … Continue reading Community on Deployment with Volunteer Mary Bock
American Red Cross volunteers are working around-the-clock to provide comfort and care to neighbors displaced by record flooding. The American Red Cross is currently responding to assist those impacted by storms throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Please find our latest storm response information below. If you need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS … Continue reading Red Cross Responds to Severe Flooding Across the Pacific Coast
We are grateful to those who generously roll up a sleeve for patients in need! Let's salute the heroes who donate blood and platelets and help save lives this National Blood Donor Month. This month serves to recognize America’s donors and encourage more individuals to donate blood in January and throughout the year. Get to … Continue reading Celebrating Blood Donors during National Blood Donor Month
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage … Continue reading Red Cross emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer In the heart of Central California, Dana Sakoda, a retired elementary school teacher with a 22-year-long career behind her, has emerged as a source of comfort for those affected by disasters. American Red Cross volunteers like Dana are on the frontlines of disaster response, supporting families across the … Continue reading A Lifetime of Service
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Lester Fuzell may have retired from the Fire Department, but he never retired from doing what matters: helping others. Lester's story begins as a young kid visiting a Halloween festival in his hometown. At the festival, he was immediately intrigued by a beautiful red ladder truck and noticed a fireman … Continue reading A Firefighter’s Second Act
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer During Military Family Appreciation Month and National Native American Heritage Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing Red Crossers who continue their service in local communities across the country. Since our founding more than 140 years ago, veterans have stepped up to support their communities after their active-duty … Continue reading Service and Commitment: John Navarro is a Catalyst for Change and Community
By Steve Medina, Communications Volunteer John Fasching's journey into blood donation began under the most unexpected circumstances. Decades ago, John underwent medical surgery that took a sudden and unexpected turn. Unknown to both him and his medical team, he suffered internal hemorrhaging during the procedure. It wasn't until John's blood pressure plummeted dangerously low that … Continue reading John Fasching: 42 Years of Lifesaving Blood Donations
From well before the dawn until just past high noon, on the Saturday before Veteran's Day, hundreds of hardy cyclists took to the streets of beautiful Ventura County for fun, camaraderie and an important humanitarian mission. Supported by scores of Red Cross volunteers, these weekend warriors cruised the local by-ways to benefit the Red Cross … Continue reading Riders on a Mission
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer There's one moment that Kenya will never forget - it's the moment that inspired her to give back to the Red Cross. The "A-Rock Fire" in 1990 was an event that forever changed the course of Kenya's life. It was the second-largest fire in the history of Yosemite, and it … Continue reading From Evacuee to Volunteer, Kenya Deto Brings Comfort to Disaster Survivors
Red Cross Central California Blog 