By Anel Laj/American Red Cross

With 36 years of service across two countries, Ricardo Alterno embodies the American Red Cross mission—bringing compassion, experience and a powerful voice to support Latino communities and other neighborhoods in crisis. This dedication reflects the broader contributions of Latino volunteers, employees and donors, whose empathy, resilience and commitment continue to uplift communities and inspire hope. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross proudly recognizes their vital role in strengthening our humanitarian efforts and transforming lives.

Alterno began his life of service in Costa Rica, where he trained, studied and earned certifications before spending 12 years working as an emergency medical technician for the Red Cross. During that time, he took on multiple roles, from emergency services and first responder duties to community relief work, providing assistance and hope to those in need.

When he first moved to California, he wanted to continue his life of service and contribute to his new community. At the time, language differences made it challenging to connect with the local Red Cross chapter; it was another year before a Spanish-speaking volunteer guided him through the application process. The importance of having someone understand and communicate in his native language was not lost on Alterno, as he eventually became the person on the other side able to help others navigate the same journey.

“First you have to demonstrate respect, you have to demonstrate safety, you have to demonstrate trust,” said Alterno. “Initially, if a person is negative you begin to explain what the Red Cross does, how we do our jobs, what are our intentions. Then based on that trust you are establishing with them, we explain what it is that we can do for them and how we are going to do it, it is then when these people begin to ease their stress and lower their guards, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate how we work and how it is that we are going to help.”

The first time Ricardo stepped into this role came during the 2008 Chatsworth train collision, where multiple Spanish-language media outlets arrived and he was the only Spanish speaker present. Alterno was asked if he could speak with the press on behalf of the Red Cross.

“I like to speak to the press, because they are the ones that allow us to reach the rest of the community. They are the ones that allow us to tell people ‘Hey the Red Cross is here. This is what we are doing. Thanks for your donations. Thanks for supporting your community.’”

Alterno’s ability to engage with all communities—especially the Latino community—stems from his bilingual skills, which help break down barriers and build trust, connection and confidence. Whether working in disaster relief areas, shelters, or as part of local disaster action response units, he communicates effectively and provides essential support to everyone in need, while at times focusing on underrepresented and underserved populations. Alterno enjoys being a voice for those who have trouble speaking out, building meaningful connections and opening doors for people who have lost everything.

“I can’t stop what I’m doing,” described Alterno. “It’s something inside me. I need it. I need to be a volunteer. I need to feel those emotions when you help people, when you change lives, when you impact a community, of giving them positive messages, of telling them they can do it, of telling them you’ll get through it, of saying this is only temporary, we’re going to rise up and continue being better.”

Alterno urges others to volunteer, knowing that every act of service makes a difference. He highlights how bilingual skills open new possibilities to reach people in need, expanding humanitarian efforts while offering aid, comfort and hope.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.