Joan A. Foley, director, American Red Cross in Greater New York-Queens, is joined by youth volunteer Dayana Sanchez and volunteer Rosa Velez to provide residents with emergency preparedness information in both English and Spanish.

Helping the people of Queens become more knowledgeable and ready to respond during emergencies, the American Red Cross in Greater New York - Queens met with several thousand borough residents during two events this past weekend to provide them with information about its Ready New York presentation and other health and preparedness programs.

At Junta Hispana @ Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Sunday, September 17, Red Cross volunteers distributed safety and preparedness information in Spanish to more than 3,000 people. Junta Hispana is a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration of the cultures, traditions, heritage, food, dance, music, art, customs and people of 21 Spanish speaking countries. The family-oriented program highlighted the best in music and dance from each country, book readings in Spanish, dance lessons, puppet shows and many other performances and activities. At "Celebra la Vida Con Salud,” a Hispanic health education campaign in partnership with "Closing the Health Gap”, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) campaign, health information and free health screenings were provided.

On Saturday, September 16, the Red Cross participated in the First Annual Family Day/ Banner Day sponsored by New York City Councilmember Thomas White. The all-day gathering was held at Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica. More than 1,000 residents received information about Red Cross programs.

Red Cross volunteers Jackie Ayer (seated) and Vladimir Stayanov, who also is captain of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team in Queens, with New York City Councilmember Thomas White.