SAMU First Response at the Mid-Atlantic VOAD Regional Conference

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From March 30 to April 1, SAMU First Response participated in the Mid-Atlantic VOAD Regional Conference, where we engaged with leaders in disaster response to explore this year’s theme: “Dismantling Systemic Inequities that Fuel Disaster Vulnerability.”

Throughout the conference, we connected with organizations, shared best practices, and reflected on the importance of historical context, trust, and integrity in humanitarian work. Powerful discussions, including “In the Pursuit of Justice: Interrupting White Saviorism” and “Building Trust is a Process”, reinforced our commitment to equity and impactful disaster response.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and prepare for the upcoming National VOAD Conference on May 31. Together, we continue working towards a more just and effective response for vulnerable communities”, said Paola Cristofini, Emergency manager.

National VOAD Conference Focuses on Long-Term Disaster Recovery February 26, 2025

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The National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, held on February 26, 2025, gathered leaders from diverse sectors to discuss the latest advancements in long-term disaster recovery. The conference centered on strategies for expediting recovery timelines and enhancing resilience, with the aim of swiftly reactivating response and recovery operations following natural disasters.

 

Key discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening community resilience and improving coordination across various sectors to ensure a more efficient recovery process. Participants included representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), renowned educational institutions, and philanthropists. Each shared valuable insights and experiences from their respective fields, contributing to a collaborative approach to disaster recovery.

 

The event served as a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, emphasizing the critical role of partnership and innovation in building more resilient communities post-disaster.

SAMU First Response: Humanitarian Impact in Arizona

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Since the opening of our center in Arizona on September 1, 2024, SAMU First Response has been dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to individuals in vulnerable situations. Thanks to the unwavering commitment and solidarity of our volunteers, staff, and supporters, we have assisted 9,544 people, including 1,900 family units and 4,124 single adults.

Our team has provided 9,335 meals, 14,604 snacks, distributed 546 clothing items to offer warmth and dignity, and handed out 892 hygiene kits, along with diapers and other essential supplies for families with young children.

Our commitment to the Nogales community goes beyond direct assistance. We are also proud to support local organizations through essential donations:

  • Nogales Community Food Bank (USA): 976 lbs of food.
  • Instituto Nacional de Migración (Mexico): 20 cans of baby formula, 2 bags of shoelaces, and 2 bags of warm clothing.
  • Casa Misericordia (Mexico): 20 cans of baby formula, 23 boxes of ready-to-serve meals, 3 packs of 40 oz ground coffee, and 1 box of paper towels.
  • Consulado General de México in Nogales, Arizona: 8 boxes containing 48 tubes of toothpaste and 2 boxes with 20 hygiene kits for shelters in Nogales, Sonora.
  • Crossroads Mission (USA): 156 ready-to-serve meals and 20 boxes of individual shampoo.

These figures represent lives touched, hope restored, and a community strengthened through the collective effort of everyone involved. We are deeply grateful to those who have made this impact possible. Together, we continue to make a difference.

SAMU First Response Joins “International Efforts on Disaster Resilience” at the Australian Embassy

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February 12th , 2025

SAMU First Response (SFR) attended a coordination meeting at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C., thanks to the collaboration of DC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DC VOAD).

The primary objective of this meeting was to coordinate a series of bi-monthly conferences scheduled to begin in April 2024 and continue through October. This initiative aims to foster dialogue on resilience in the context of natural disasters.

This meeting marks an important first step in laying the foundation for the project, which is currently in its early stages. The selection of panelists is ongoing, and SFR has proposed Andrés Rodríguez Holst, International Disaster Response Manager of SAMU Foundation, as a speaker for one of the upcoming sessions.

This initiative represents a significant step toward international cooperation on disaster resilience, and SFR looks forward to contributing to its development and success.

 

SAMU First Response Deploys Team to Los Angeles to Aid Victims of Devastating Fires

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Los Angeles, January 27, 2025.- In response to the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, SAMU First Response has deployed our specialized first response team from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California to assist the victims of this disaster. Derick Alegria, coordinator of this special mission, said “our team has been on the ground for the past week, providing essential aid to those who have lost their homes and are in desperate need of assistance”.

In partnership with local nonprofits, SAMU First Response has been able to directly work with and provide aid for the victims and vulnerable communities affected by the fires. This collaboration has allowed us to expand our outreach and provide much-needed support to those most impacted by this crisis.

“Our mission in Los Angeles is particularly meaningful, as we not only aim to help fire victims but also address the needs of a diverse community that has been severely affected. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need who experience houselessness”, stated Alegria.

 

During this intense week of work, our team has provided critical assistance by providing clean and new mattresses for individuals who no longer have a home to return to and need a place to rest, backpacks filled with hygiene kits to help maintain dignity and health during this time, water to ensure those affected have access to clean drinking water, and clean clothing for both men and women.

 

“Our mission is to save lives and empower vulnerable communities and our dedicated team demonstrated that this week by performing life-saving CPR on an individual that was nearing the brinks of death. This just highlights the urgency and importance of our efforts on the ground and solidifies that our mission is to save lives”, said Alegria.

 

SAMU First Response remains dedicated to saving lives and serving communities in crisis, and we are committed to continuing our support as the situation evolves. We encourage anyone who wishes to contribute to our ongoing efforts to consider donating. For more information about SAMU First Response and how you can help, please visit https://samufirstresponse.org/.

 

SFR attends the Puerto Rico assembly VOAD 2025: “Local Strategies for Global Challenges”

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SFR Participates in the Puerto Rico VOAD 2025 Conference and Assembly ¨ Local Strategies for Global Challenges¨ The Puerto Rico VOAD 2025 Conference and Assembly is the annual event of the VOAD Movement on the island, scheduled for January 29, 30, and 31, 2025, at the Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico. This year’s central theme is “Local Strategies for Global Challenges.” During the conference, participants will gather to share best practices and strengthen collaboration in support of disaster survivors.

The central theme, “Local Strategies for Global Challenges,” aims to highlight the importance of local solutions and community collaboration in addressing global challenges, particularly in the context of disaster management and community resilience.

The conference provides a platform for organizations, community leaders, and professionals in the humanitarian sector to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and develop effective strategies to support disaster survivors in Puerto Rico and beyond.

 

 

SAMU First Response Launches the Emprende RV Program in Aruba to Empower Migrants Through Virtual Reality Education

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Oranjestad, Aruba – January 22, 2025

SAMU First Response has launched its innovative Emprende RV Program in Aruba, aimed at supporting migrants living on the island in developing and solidifying their business ideas. This groundbreaking initiative combines an intensive educational curriculum with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology, delivered in partnership with Second Chance and made possible through the generous support of IREX and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).

The program, which started on January 21 and will conclude on January 25, provides participants with a holistic approach to entrepreneurship and will be implemented at the Lions Club in Oranjestad. In addition to immersive VR-based training that equips them with essential skills for starting and managing a business, participants receive legal assistance to regularize their immigration status and emotional support to navigate the challenges and transitions associated with migration.

“Emprende RV reflects SAMU First Response’s commitment to fostering resilience and self-sufficiency among migrant communities,” said Andrea Gallegos, manager director of SAMU First Response. “By combining entrepreneurial education, legal guidance, and emotional support, we aim to empower participants to transform their ideas into thriving businesses while addressing the broader challenges they face as migrants.”

The program is part of SAMU First Response’s broader mission to address the needs of vulnerable populations by providing innovative and sustainable solutions that promote integration and opportunity.

 

SAMU First Response Receives the Global Democracy Award at the Napolitan Victory Awards 2024

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Washington, DC – [July 25, 2024] The Washington Academy of Political Arts & Sciences® is proud to announce that SAMU First Response has been awarded the Global Democracy Award at the Napolitan Victory Awards 2024 for its outstanding work in receiving migrants and asylum seekers in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas during 2023.

SAMU First Response is a humanitarian organization based in Washington D.C. that, from June 2022 to April 2024, received 14,462 migrants from the southern border of the United States.

Andrea Gallegos, Managing Director of SAMU First Response, stated, “We are proud to have impacted the lives of thousands of migrants fleeing their home countries in search of a life with opportunities, safety, and freedom. This award is the result of our team’s
efforts last year; of working 24/7, days and nights, during vacations, holidays, in freezing temperatures, and without rest, receiving thousands of migrants outside Union Station and the Naval Observatory.”

During 2023, the NGO SAMU First Response led the reception of thousands of migrants who were sent from Texas and Arizona. “All were guaranteed dignified first response care: hot food, personal hygiene kits, a fresh set of clothing, and several nights’ stay in one of our shelters, so they could rest and, for those who wished, support to continue their journey to their final destination,” added Montilla.

The Napolitan Victory Awards, recognized as the most prestigious awards in political communication, celebrates excellence in various categories, including political campaigns, innovative projects, and outstanding leaders in the political and social spheres. Participation in these awards represents an important distinction and a validation of the impact and relevance of the work carried out around the world.

Throughout their history, the Napolitan Victory Awards have attracted the attention of campaigns such as those of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nayib Bukele, Alberto Fernández, Luis Abinader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Pedro Sánchez. Additionally, they have recognized political luminaries such as Epsy Campbell Barr, former Vice President of Costa Rica, Martha Lucía Ramírez, former Vice President of Colombia, and José Mujica, former President of Uruguay, for their significant contributions. Prominent political consultants such as the late Ralph Murphine and Michel Bongrand, as well as José Luis Sanchis, a Spanish consultant, and Dick Morris, an American consultant, have also been applauded for their innovative efforts.

The award ceremony for the Napolitan Victory Awards 2024 will take place from August 22 to 24 at the Yotel Hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where all winners in all categories will be celebrated. Additional details about the event and the complete list of nominees can be found at Napolitans.org.

About the Napolitan Victory Awards

Recognized by dozens of international media outlets as the Oscars of Politics, the Napolitans are known as the most prestigious awards in the world of political consulting. The Napolitan Victory Awards celebrate excellence, creativity, and outstanding achievements in political communication. Organized by The Washington Academy of Political Arts & Sciences® (WAPAS), the awards bring together leaders, consultants, and professionals from the global political landscape to recognize and honor the best in the industry.

 

Inscripciones abiertas para el programa EMPRENDE RV-MIGRANTES en Maryland

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Migrantes de diferentes partes del mundo que viven en Maryland tendrán la posibilidad de formarse en emprendimiento y concretar su plan de negocias gracias al programa “Emprende RV-Migrantes” que implementa SAMU First Response de la mano con la ONG Second Chance.

El programa comienza el sábado 13 de julio y consiste en 32 horas de formación académica en donde se utilizará la realidad virtual como recursos de aprendizaje, de manera de sumergir a los participantes en un mundo nuevo e innovador de conocimientos acercándolos
a la tecnología, que les permitirá poner su idea de negocio en marcha.

El programa “Emprende RV-Migrantes” consiste en:

  • Actividades presenciales y virtuales.
  • 32 horas académicas de duración.
  • Jornadas los sábados y algunos domingos.
  • Realidad virtual como recurso de aprendizaje.
  • Capital semilla para iniciar tu negocio.

Las inscripciones están abiertas y los interesados pueden registrarse en
https://www.secondchancelatam.org/emprendimientomaryland/. El programa tiene una duración de 32 horas académicas e incluye actividades presenciales y virtuales. Es dictado los sábados y domingos.

Calendario de actividades:

  • 13 y 14 de Julio: Bootcamp: De la idea a la acción.
  • 20 de Julio: ¿Cómo conseguir financiamiento?
  • 04 de Agosto: ¡Manos a la obra! Últimos detalles de tu plan de negocios.
  • 11 de Agosto: Práctica tu discurso de venta.
  • 12 de Agosto: Rueda de negocios.

Para mayor información, contactar con nosotros.

Deployment and Evaluation of the SAMU capacities in Madrid, Spain

Deployment and Evaluation of the SAMU capacities in Madrid, Spain

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The SAMU First Response team traveled to Madrid, Spain this week to participate in the deployment of the SAMU Group’s emergency intervention team held before the General Director of the Spanish Civil Protection. They were being evaluated in order to participate in the Civil Protection of the European mechanism funds.

The objective of this day was for the General Director of the Spanish Civil Protection to see firsthand the capabilities of Grupo SAMU and their ability to deploy their health team effectively. The health team that would be deployed to any intervention would be made up of five assistance tents, an ambulance to transport critical patients, as well as the organizations team of doctors, nurses and volunteers.

At SAMU First Response we are very proud of all the work that our SAMU Group team has done. We thank the team of doctors, nurses, technicians and volunteers. We continue to advance in our work to serve vulnerable populations during crises and/or natural disasters.