From the seascapes of Monterey Bay to the rolling hills of Carmel to the boardwalk and beaches of Santa Cruz, the Central Coast Chapter inhabits an area of California renowned for its natural beauty. A dedicated team of staff and volunteers works with community partners, local government and donors to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
Email: centralcoast.chapter@redcross.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box AR
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
By appointment only: (831) 419-3872
The Red Cross is here for you. Please call us 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) - 24 hours a day.
Information on blood drives, blood donation appointments as well as your personal blood donor account can be found on our Red Cross Blood website (click the link below). You may also call us 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
We provide help for members of the military, veterans and their families to prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service. Call 1-877-272-7337 (24 hours a day) or click below to learn more.
The Red Cross offers classes in: CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, learn to swim, water safety and more. Click below to learn more.
For questions about classes or certification cards you may also call: 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The best way to provide immediate relief to your neighbors facing emergency situations is through a monetary donation.
The humanitarian work that we do at American Red Cross would not be possible without our volunteers. Your time and talent can make a real difference.
The Red Cross actively supports fundraising on many popular platforms - whether you use Facebook, Instagram, or prefer to live stream, we have the resources to get you started!
Michele Averill
Michele Averill is chief executive officer (CEO) of the Central Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross. It's a position she has held since 2014.
"It's an honor to help the Red Cross provide support to so many community members within our three counties," says Averill, who grew up in Corralitos in rural Santa Cruz County. "Having the opportunity to do this kind of work with such a tremendous corps of volunteers makes it especially rewarding."
As CEO of the chapter that serves the residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, Averill oversees the work of six employees and almost 400 local volunteers who provide disaster support and other services to a population of approximately 750,000 residents. She and approximately 20 community leaders who serve on the Board of Directors strive to efficiently and effectively carry out the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.
Before joining the Red Cross, Averill was a director in the business development branch of Telemed2u, a Roseville-based company providing diagnostic radiology and oncology services. Prior to that, Averill worked for Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, where her positions included foundation chief executive officer and vice president of development.
Averill currently serves on the Board Quality Committee at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and on the Community Health Innovation's Board of Managers; as well as the TeleMed2U Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club.
On September 27, 2024, Richard Castellon, then an off-duty police officer with the Monterey Police Department, was walking through the hallway of his Virginia apartment complex when he noticed an unconscious man lying in the gym. Without hesitation, Richard rushed to help. He quickly checked on the man, found him unresponsive and immediately called 911. While requesting an AED from
Continue ReadingEach year, our chapter proudly honors two extraordinary individuals whose dedication and service embody the very heart of the American Red Cross mission. The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer who has made a significant impact over the past year—contributing meaningfully to our operations, programs, and services while exemplifying the true spirit of volunteerism. The Clara Barton Honor Award
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