More than 110 years of humanitarian commitment transforming lives in Colombia

Our mission

Protecting human life and
human dignity.

We work to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, especially among the most vulnerable, while upholding their dignity in all circumstances. We strengthen community resilience through health initiatives, risk management, social inclusion, and humanitarian response, fostering a culture of peace and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, guided by the Fundamental Principles and the spirit of volunteerism.

Our Vision

Leading humanitarian efforts
in Colombia

In 2025, the Colombian Red Cross National Society will continue to be the leading humanitarian institution at the national level in promoting social and humanitarian development and contributing to the resilience of vulnerable communities, supported by a strong volunteer base and strategic partners who advance its mission, comprehensive sustainability, and teams of staff managing efficient processes focused on humanitarian innovation.

Our humanitarian principles

Learn about the different ways to donate blood and save lives in Colombia

Humanity

It strives to prevent and alleviate human suffering in all circumstances. It seeks to protect life and health, as well as to ensure respect for the human person.

Impartiality

It makes no distinction based on nationality, race, religion, social status, or political beliefs. It is dedicated to helping individuals in proportion to their suffering.

Neutrality

It refrains from taking part in hostilities and, at all times, in disputes of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature.

Independence

National Societies must retain the autonomy that allows them to act at all times in accordance with the principles of the Red Cross.

Volunteering

It is a volunteer based, non-profit relief organization.

Unit

In each country, there can be only one Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, which is open to all and whose activities cover the entire territory.

Universality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is universal, with all Societies having the same rights and the duty to assist one another.

Our humanitarian presence

Did you know that the Colombian Red Cross has 31 branches across the country?

Colombian Red Cross Amazonas Branch

Carrera 10 – Calle 16 Av. Vásquez Cobo (Leticia).

Colombian Red Cross Antioquia Branch

Cra. 52 No. 25-310 (Medellín)

Colombian Red Cross Arauca Branch

Calle 31 Cra. 20 Esquina San Luis (Arauca).

Colombian Red Cross Atlantic Branch

Calle 65 No. 34-33 (Barranquilla).

Colombian Red Cross Bolívar Branch

Calle 30 No. 44 D 71 (Cartagena).

Colombian Red Cross Boyacá Branch

Calle 17 No. 9-56 (Tunja).

Colombian Red Cross Caldas Branch

Av. Kevin Ángel Cra. 21 No. 69-350 (Manizales).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Caquetá

Carrera 16 No. 13-20 (Florencia).

Casanare Branch of the Colombian Red Cross

Carrera 18 No. 15-10 (Yopal).

Colombian Red Cross Cauca Branch

Calle 6 No. 5 N 33 (Popayán).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Córdoba

Carrera 13 No. 24-51 (Montería).

Colombian Red Cross Branch for Cundinamarca and Bogotá

Av. 68 No. 68 B 31 Bloque Norte (Bogotá D. C.).

Colombian Red Cross Chocó Branch

Calle 30 No. 10-85 (Quibdó).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Guainía

Main Avenue, El Puerto (Puerto Inírida).

Colombian Red Cross Guaviare Branch

Corner of Main Park (San José del Guaviare).

Colombian Red Cross Huila Branch

26th Avenue, No. 5-41, Old Airport (Neiva)

Colombian Red Cross Branch in La Guajira

Calle 15 No. 8-69 (Riohacha).

Colombian Red Cross Magdalena Branch

Carrera 5 No. 25-27 (Santa Marta).

Colombian Red Cross Meta Branch

Carrera 30 No. 39-30 (Villavicencio).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Nariño

Carrera 25 No. 13-26 (Pasto).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Norte de Santander

Calle 6 No. 10-64 (Cúcuta).

Colombian Red Cross Putumayo Branch

Carrera 8 No. 17-50 (Mocoa).

Colombian Red Cross Quindío Branch

Avenida Bolívar Calle 23 N-60 (Armenia).

Colombian Red Cross Risaralda Branch

Calle 16 Carrera 15 Esquina (Pereira).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in San Andrés and Providencia

Avenida Francisco Newball (San Andrés Isla).

Colombian Red Cross Santander Branch

Calle 45 No. 9-60 (Bucaramanga).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Sucre

Calle 38 No. 29-18 (Sincelejo).

Colombian Red Cross Tolima Branch

Calle 39 No. 5-40 (Ibagué).

Colombian Red Cross Valle del Cauca Branch

Transversal 5 No. 5-91 (Cali).

Colombian Red Cross Branch in Vichada

Avenida Colombia No. 19-97 (Puerto Carreño).

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2015

2017

2013

Rescue in Chocó

Following a plane crash in the Chocó jungle, the Colombian Red Cross rescued María Nela Murillo and her son after four days of survival.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2017

2020

2015

Flash Flood in Mocoa

In 2017, a flash flood devastated Mocoa; the Colombian Red Cross provided medical care to the injured, support to affected families, and search and rescue operations.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2020

2025

2017

COVID-19 Pandemic

Following the first case of COVID-19 in 2020, the Colombian Red Cross activated a response plan to address humanitarian needs in the areas of prevention, mitigation, and recovery.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2025

1919

2020

Mass displacement in Catatumbo

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo, the Colombian Red Cross deployed hundreds of volunteers to provide healthcare, psychosocial support, and humanitarian aid to thousands of affected people.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

1919

1924

2024

Founding of the School of Nursing

In 1919, Madame Ledoux, sent by the League of Red Cross Societies, arrived in Bogotá to found the first School of Nursing of the Colombian Red Cross.

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1924

1937

1919

First Week of “Banderita”

“Banderita” Day began as a fundraising event to support the humanitarian programs of the Colombian Red Cross.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1937

1948

1924

Recognition of the Colombian Red Cross as a healthcare provider

Law 142 of 1937 established the Colombian Red Cross as a healthcare provider in the absence of a government agency to provide such assistance.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1948

1956

1937

El Bogotazo

The assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in 1948 sparked a wave of violence in Bogotá, prompting makeshift ambulances to rush out to treat the wounded.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1956

1964

1948

The Cali Explosion

On August 7, 1956, an explosion caused by trucks loaded with dynamite destroyed 41 city blocks in downtown Cali, and the Colombian Red Cross was among the first to respond to the emergency.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1964

1956

Foundation of the Blood Bank

The Colombian Red Cross's first blood bank was established thanks to a donation of equipment from the Moris and Tila Gutt Foundation, led by Bogotá philanthropists Moris Gutt and Tila Gutt.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1964

1972

1964

Establishment of the Red Cross Lottery

Law No. 2 of 1964 established the Colombian Red Cross Lottery, ensuring a permanent source of funding for its humanitarian programs.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1972

1983

1964

Managua Earthquake

Following the devastating 1972 earthquake in Managua, the Colombian Red Cross sent humanitarian aid, including food and building materials, to assist the victims of the disaster.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1983

1985

1972

Popayán Earthquake

On March 31, 1983, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Popayán, leaving 300 dead and more than 10,000 people homeless. The Colombian Red Cross led rescue and reconstruction efforts in the wake of the tragedy.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1985

1995

1983

Armero Avalanche

Following the 1985 Armero tragedy, the Colombian Red Cross provided comprehensive humanitarian assistance and established the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) to improve disaster response.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1995

1999

1985

Medical Mission

The Colombian Red Cross runs the Medical Mission Program in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, promoting respect for and the protection of healthcare workers in Colombia.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

1999

2010

1995

Armenia Earthquake

The 1999 earthquake in Armenia, Quindío, left thousands of victims, and the Colombian Red Cross immediately launched its humanitarian response.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2010

2013

1999

La Niña Phenomenon

Following the heavy rains of 2010–2011 in Colombia, the Colombian Red Cross launched the Water and Sanitation Program to provide access to safe drinking water for affected communities.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

A journey through images, memories, and stories of

2013

2015

2010

Collapse of the Space Building

The collapse of the Space Building in Medellín in 2013 left 12 people dead and triggered a search-and-rescue response by the Colombian Red Cross.

the last 110 years of Colombia's history

Book 110 Years

Stories

We celebrate and share with all of you some of the most significant moments in our humanitarian work through photographs and images of the first ambulance, battles, nurses, first responders, the Grey Ladies, youth volunteers, community leaders, and historical events…

We invite you to discover our stories of hope, such as those of the survivors; stories of heroism, such as those of our volunteers; and stories of solidarity and reconciliation among Colombians.

A symbol
of humanity

The Red Cross emblem is the visible symbol of the protection that international humanitarian law (IHL) affords to personnel and property dedicated to assisting and protecting victims in armed conflicts. It represents the neutrality granted to medical personnel and members of the Movement in situations of disaster, emergency, armed conflict, and other acts of violence.

Guidelines for the logo
 and brand usage.

In Colombia, Law No. 875 of 2004 and Decree No. 138 of 2005 regulate the use of the emblem. These regulations grant the Institution the authority to use it in the course of its humanitarian activities throughout the country.

Our humanitarian team

A team committed to humanitarian development and institutional sustainability

National Board of Directors

Dra. Judith
Carvajal de Álvarez

National President
Colombian Red Cross

Dr. Gabriel
Camero Ramos

I Vice President of the Board of Directors
of the Colombian Red Cross