Red Cross Heroes: Easton teacher creates student program that grants access to free local health care

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KGPE) – The American Red Cross is honoring its 2025 Central Valley heroes – individuals recognized for their extraordinary acts of courage, kindness and compassion. This year’s community impact hero is Tony Pena whose work brought opportunities to students and health care to a community in need.

Pena is a teacher at Washington Union High School in Easton, just south of Fresno; he teaches health science and medical technology. He created a program that trains high school seniors to be medical assistants so the students are ready for a job in a doctors office, hospital or clinic.

With grant money, Pena was able to build a medical clinic at Washington Union. It gives students hands-on experience with local doctors, it also brings services to the Easton community.

“We were able to create a partnership where we can now offer healthcare within our facility, for our community, at no cost to them,” he said. “They’re coming in for glucose testing, they’re coming in for flu vaccinations.”

The program is supported by the Fresno County Office of Education which provided a grant for students to create first aid kits for the community.

Students earn a certificate in medical technology preparing them for a career in health care, and the rural community of Easton gets free, easy access to health care.

“It’s definitely where I need to be, and I think that all of the relationships that I’ve been able to create have all fallen into place for us to give our students the opportunity we’re giving them and then also take care of our community,” Pena said.