American Red Cross Central California Region

06/12/2026

Panting is part of the way dogs sweat. But if they are panting heavily, become wobbly, have brick-red gums, or collapse, they could have heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
If you spot these signs, follow these steps:
- Cool them down using a water hose.
- Stop cooling them once their temperature goes down to 103 degrees.
- Bring them to the vet as soon as possible.
Keep our Pet First Aid app handy this summer to keep your furry friend safe in hot weather.

06/11/2026

🐾 It’s National Pet Preparedness Month!
In an emergency, your pets depend on you even more for their safety and well-being. Make sure your family’s disaster plans include your furry family members, too.

Here’s how to get started:
✅ Create an emergency plan for your pet
🚗 Include them in evacuation drills so they’re comfortable in carriers
🎒 Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications and comfort items

Let’s keep our pets safe, prepared and protected when emergencies strike. Download the free Emergency Pet Safety App to learn more.

06/11/2026

Make a lifesaving assist this season!

Come to give blood or platelets June 1-28 and get a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice + automatic entry for a chance to score one of two $7.5K gift cards.

Book now: https://rcblood.org/3NDDsao
(T&C; other entry)

06/11/2026

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., causing more deaths each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes.

Central California will experience three-digit temperatures this week. It's important to monitor some of those who are most at risk for heat-related illnesses including: the elderly, young children and pets.

06/10/2026

For 35 years, Vicki Dellone served her community in blue. Today, she continues that mission in red. ❤️

As a Disaster Action Team Supervisor with the American Red Cross, Vicki responds to home fires across Fresno County, helping families take their first steps toward recovery.

Growing up, Vicki remembers watching the Red Cross respond to disasters across the country. Now, she’s part of the team bringing comfort and care to neighbors in her own community.

“We help your neighbors, your friends, and maybe you.”

Alongside a small but dedicated Disaster Action Team, Vicki responds day and night to support families facing unimaginable loss. Whether helping provide immediate finanical assistance or simply offering comfort in the middle of chaos, she says the smallest moments often matter most. “Sometimes all they need is a hug.”

For Vicki, service has always been about people. Vicki recalls some of the most powerful moments come when a volunteer offers one of these quilts — a gesture of warmth and hope. She remembers meeting someone who, as a teenager, received a Red Cross blanket and never forgot the comfort it brought.

“It’s the little everyday moments.”

Now working alongside fellow former first responders, Vicki hopes others considering retirement know their experience and compassion are still deeply needed. “You still have more to give,” is her advice to others.

Every day, Red Cross volunteers stand ready to help families through some of their darkest moments — proving that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

06/10/2026

Thank you County of Ventura - Government for celebrating World Blood Donor Day, honoring all those who support its lifesaving mission through blood donation. 🩸

Blood and blood products such as platelets are essential for patients battling chronic illnesses like cancer and sickle cell disease, as well as for those undergoing surgery, experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, or recovering from serious accidents ─ some patients may require up to 100 units of blood.

In the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds. It is through the generosity of volunteer donors that patients receive the blood they need and have more time with their family.

Today, at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting I recognized World Blood Donor Day by honoring the American Red Cross for its lifesaving work and commitment to our communities.

We also recognized Moorpark Police Chief Nick Odenath for his extraordinary dedication as a blood donor. Chief Odenath has donated blood 20 times, including 14 donations through community blood drives I have hosted. His donations total approximately 2½ gallons of blood and have helped save an estimated 60 lives.

Thank you to the Red Cross, Chief Odenath, and all blood donors who give the gift of life. Your generosity makes a lasting difference for families throughout our community. ❤️🩸

SaveLives BloodDonation

06/08/2026

With summer activities & trips planned, we know less people may be able to book a blood donation appointment.

But emergencies can strike at any moment, and donors of all blood types are urgently needed now to support patient care.

Give ASAP: https://rcblood.org/appt

06/06/2026

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

At the American Red Cross, everyone is welcome in our mission — and that’s something we live every day. ⛑️ It’s in the volunteers who show up to support their neighbors, the donors who roll up their sleeves to help someone they may never meet, and the communities that come together in moments that matter most.

Thank you to Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival for having us again at this incredible community celebration. 🌈

06/06/2026

8:00 p.m. Update: With all evacuation warnings now lifted, our Red Cross shelter at the Rosamond High School is now closed.

Thank you to our first responders for keeping our communities safe.
_______

The American Red Cross is opening an evacuation shelter for community members displaced by the in County of Kern, California.

Shelter Location: Rosamond High School (2925 W. Rosamond Boulevard, Rosamond, CA 93560)

Red Cross volunteers will provide safe shelter, water, meals, emotional support and additional resources to evacuees impacted by the wildfire.

Kern County Animal Services is offering shelter for small animals.

Evacuating residents are encouraged to bring the following for each member of their family & pets:
• Prescription & other emergency medication
• Extra clothing
• Pillows & blankets
• Hygiene supplies
• Important documents
• Other comfort items for children & pets

If you have physical limitations and require evacuation assistance, please call the Kern County Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565.

Stay safe with these tips:
• Be ready to evacuate.
• Keep your emergency kit nearby.
• Follow local authorities for evacuation updates ReadyKern & Kern County Fire Department.

06/05/2026

Across the country, Gen Z volunteers are transforming what community service looks like — and leaders like Anna Moua and Ashley Martinez are at the heart of it.

As American Red Cross Club Presidents, they bring their fellow students together through monthly Red Cross Club meetings, build leadership skills and organize projects that support home fire survivors, veterans and local blood donors.

Their generation now makes up nearly half of all Red Cross volunteers across Central California. Their impact is real, visible and growing.

Thank you to ABC30 Action News for highlighting their impact in our community. ⛑️

Gen Z is now the fastest-growing and largest volunteer group in the Central California Red Cross.