Why AmeriCorps and Red Cross? What am I doing?

In February I celebrated my one year Red Cross anniversary! It was over a year ago that I joined the Red Cross Central Valley Region as a Service to the Armed Forces intern. At the time I was a senior at California State University Fresno and in need of an internship to complete a certification in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership. Reflecting upon the past I am glad that I chose the Red Cross as my internship site. After completing my 300 hour internship I was given the opportunity to continue to serve the Central Valley and support the Red Cross mission as an AmeriCorps member.

I chose to become an AmeriCorps member because it is important to me that I serve my community and make a positive and lasting contribution to society. In addition I wanted to continue to be a part of an organization that I know is doing amazing work within the Central Valley. As John F. Kennedy stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you-but what you can do for your country".

 Over the past seven months I have touched many areas within many Central Valley communities. One of the main purposes of my position is to educate the community in the area of emergency preparedness. So far I have trained over 1,000 individuals in emergency preparedness and have reached nearly 4,000 community members through community events. I have trained 13 emergency preparedness leaders, including an awesome California State University Bakersfield intern. I have been trained as a Disaster Action Team member and respond to disaster calls. I even responded to the Hanford train derailment. In addition to emergency preparedness and disaster services I have continued to be actively involved with Red Cross Service to the Armed forces. I am a caseworker for 5 counties within the Central Valley. Currently I am the Veteran Affairs Voluntary Services Deputy Representative for the Fresno VA Medical Center and a member of FCF. I attend yellow ribbon events, military briefings and resource fairs.

 Being an AmeriCorps member with the Red Cross has opened many doors. I have been provided with the opportunity to gain further experience as a leader and apply my skills to help others.

-Jessica Marquez, NPRC AmeriCorps Member

New Earthquake App

Are you ready for some BIG news?!... The official American Red Cross Earthquake app was launched today! This new and informative app is FREE for iPhone and Android platforms. Not to mention as a way to provide easy accessible information to as many people as possible, the app is currently available in both English and Spanish.

The earthquake app is the third in a series of apps launched this year by the American Red Cross. First in the series was the First Aid app, providing information regarding asthma attacks, bleeding, broken bones, burns, choking and the list goes on. The Hurricane app was launched second, providing information and locations of Red Cross shelters. During Hurricane Isaac app users were able to send “I’m safe” messages to loved ones. The just released Earthquake app will provide information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake. As a part of the app, new “Shake Zone Impact Maps” will provide app users with specific local information regarding the status of their community.

Features of the app include:

§  Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey;

§  Personalized push notifications, monitoring both magnitude and geography;

§  A “Shake Zone Impact Map” that provides real-time, simplified impact assessment when available;

§  Comprehensive reporting of all seismic activity for every geographic area in the United States;

§  Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings;

§  One touch “I'm safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm's way;

§  Locations of open Red Cross shelters;

§  Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;

§  Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;

§  Information on events that may happen after earthquakes such as fires and tsunamis;

§  Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and

§  Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

We are putting lifesaving information right into the palm of your hands. I encourage everyone to download this FREE amazing lifesaving app today!