By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

From a young age, Long Beach native Matthew Martinez knew he was meant to make a difference. His journey with the American Red Cross began in the fourth grade, when he took his first-ever basic first aid class. Fast forward a few years and Matthew, as a Boy Scout, learned how to be prepared and help save lives before, during and after an emergency. By high school, he was back in that same classroom—this time as an instructor with the Red Cross Youth Corps, sparking his lifelong dedication to educate youth and prepare communities for crisis.

Today, as the Public Health AmeriCorps Program Manager for the Red Cross, Matthew leads 30 AmeriCorps members across six states. His work integrates public health and emergency management initiatives, helping to make communities more resilient and better prepared for crises. While he handles the logistics and strategy of managing such a large-scale program, Matthew is also on the ground, offering guidance and support to ensure his team’s success.

Matthew’s commitment to public health doesn’t end with his Red Cross role. As a First Aid/CPR instructor, he trains local schools, businesses, and organizations in first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness. He operates a small business that is a licensed provider for Red Cross Training Services, the American Heart Association and other organizations, helping to prepare people for when the unexpected happens.

Matthew’s passion for disaster relief is evident from his time as a volunteer Disaster Action Team Supervisor, responding to home fires and major incidents across Long Beach and the South Bay at all hours of the night and day. Hoping engage Long Beah Area youth in disaster response and create more accessible opportunities, he established the READYteens Program. The program empowers local youth to lead disaster preparedness efforts and provides when with free, lifesaving certifications and training. Over 400 teens have graduated from the program, building the next generation of community leaders who are ready to respond when disaster strikes.

Even with all his commitments, Matthew still finds time to give back by donating blood. Knowing that Latino donors are in high demand, he views his donations as a means to support those who need his blood most.

From his education at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health to internships with the California Department of Public Health and The Walt Disney Company’s Global Crisis Management team, Matthew’s career has been a relentless pursuit of service. Whether it’s helping a community recover after a disaster or empowering young people to take charge in emergency situations, Matthew’s dedication to keeping people safe is unwavering. His commitment to others is what drives him every day, making him not just a Red Cross superstar, but a true hero in every sense of the word.

Join Matthew and our team of heroes at redcross.org/la

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.