Welcome to HDEAA

At HDEAA, we pride ourselves on being a trusted broker of connections, a dedicated community partner, and an advocate for positive change. We bring together the knowledge, expertise, and resources of emergency, safety, preparedness, environmental, and health organizations throughout the greater High Desert (HD) region. Our goal is to foster collaboration and empower individuals, businesses, and communities in both our dense urban areas and rural landscapes.

As a broker of connections, we serve as a bridge between diverse organizations, facilitating partnerships that promote synergy and collective impact. We believe that by uniting the strengths and expertise of various entities, we can effectively address the unique challenges faced by the High Desert region. Through strategic collaborations, we work towards creating a resilient and thriving community.

As a trusted community partner, we are deeply committed to the well-being and safety of the High Desert population. We actively engage with local communities, listening to their needs and concerns. By fostering open dialogue and building relationships, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to take proactive measures towards emergency preparedness, safety, and environmental sustainability.

We are also advocates at heart, advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the welfare of the High Desert region. Through our extensive network and partnerships, we strive to influence positive change, raising awareness about critical issues and driving action towards long-term solutions. Our advocacy efforts encompass a wide range of areas, including emergency response planning, public health, environmental conservation, and community resilience.

With our sophisticated approach and commitment to excellence, we offer a range of services and resources to support individuals, businesses, and organizations in the High Desert. Our expert team provides consultations, training programs, and access to valuable information, equipping our community with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate emergency situations and promote a safer, healthier environment.

Whether you are a concerned resident, a business owner, or a community leader, we invite you to explore our website and discover the wealth of resources available to you. Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more resilient High Desert community, where individuals and organizations work hand in hand to overcome challenges and embrace a brighter future.

Together, let us create a safer, healthier, and more connected High Desert.

Our Core Programs

Fire Safe Councils

Our mission is to protect the people of San Bernardino County and their property from the effects of catastrophic fires through education, cooperation, innovation, and action. FSC staff helps implement projects, connect with community members, and leverage partnerships.

HDEAA

At HDEAA, we pride ourselves on being a trusted broker of connections, a dedicated community partner, and an advocate for positive change. We bring together the knowledge, expertise, and resources of emergency, safety, preparedness, environmental, and health organizations throughout the greater High Desert (HD) region.

Emergency Training

More than 4.6M people turn to the American Red Cross, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS, and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster

The Morongo Basin COAD is a collaborative network of diverse organizations and community members committed to enhancing disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts in the Morongo Basin communities. By working together, we aim to strengthen the resilience of our region and ensure the well-being of our residents during times of crisis.

California no-cost Naloxone Distribution Program. HDEAA provides free opioid prevention, response training, and Narcan Nasal Spray in the Morongo Basin.

Narcan Distribution

Our space serves as a catalyst for discussions, enabling the exchange of ideas, innovative solutions, and best practices that benefit our entire community. By providing a platform for organizations to come together, we create an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The Center

Executive Director

Justin Merino, HDEAA Director & IEFSA Fire Safe Coordinator

Wildland Firefighter, EMT, Mental Health Resilience Officer, Red Cross Instructor

With a diverse portfolio career spanning the creative landscape to the EMS field, Justin possesses a remarkable ability to navigate chaos and find solutions even in the absence of perfect precedents or clear direction. With an innate talent for charting a course towards clarity and execution, he excels at achieving the seemingly impossible and adapting seamlessly to change. His approach is rooted in a commitment to continuous learning and evolution, driven by a collective mindset that emphasizes collaboration over individual pursuits. Recognizing that we are all interconnected, Justin builds trusted relationships and collaborates with teams to empower each individual to deliver their best work and enjoy the process.

Balancing creative and EMS practices, he seamlessly transitions between big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that neither aspect compromises the quality of his work. He possesses a strong bias for action and willingly rolls up his sleeves to contribute at any level. No task is considered too small or too large if it serves the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the team and accelerating the achievement of collective goals.

As an Emergency/Disaster leader, Justin has made valuable contributions to organizations such as the City of Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the United Nations, the San Bernardino County Sheriff Medical Reserve Corps, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the National Park Service, the State of California, and various other agencies. His expertise in emergency management is complemented by his role as a Creative Producer, where he has successfully produced and consulted for renowned international brands including Mercedes-Benz, Warner Bros., Adidas, Deutsche Telekom, Dr. Oetker, Victorinox, Warner Bros., Frieze, KCRW, Henkel, and more.

Justin's multifaceted background, coupled with his genuine passion for collaboration and excellence, positions him as a valuable asset in any endeavor. His ability to foster strong partnerships and navigate complex challenges with grace and agility sets the stage for collective success. Through his extensive experience and unwavering dedication, Justin exemplifies the embodiment of humility and a steadfast commitment to achieving extraordinary results for the community at large.

merino@hdeaa.org | 760-853-0220

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