The Red Cross Movement

The Movement was born out of the need to bring humanitarian relief to soldiers who were wounded on the Solferino battlefield. It was founded by Henry Dunant in 1859. After the war the compassionate Swiss came to realize the need for a humane relief system to care for these soldiers irrespective of their allegiance. In 1864, 12 countries signed the Geneva Convention. This would be the backbone of the system and the beginning of the Red Cross Movement. Today the Movement has over 178 member countries with more than 240 million volunteers, constituting the Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Our National Society

The Jamaica Red Cross began as a branch of the British Red Cross in 1948. It became a National Society following an Act of Parliament in October 1964, having equal status in the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The government of Jamaica officially recognized the Jamaica Red Cross a Voluntary Relief Society, auxiliary to the public authorities, and in particular to the Medical Services of the Armed Forces in accordance with the provisions of the First Geneva Conventions.

Our Branches

The Jamaica Red Cross has a network of Branches in each parish. Within the Branch Structure are Area Groups which embody Care, Emergency, Youth and Dissemination activities.