- The Blue Cross is a health development organisation of professionals and volunteers.
- There are national Blue Cross organisations in 41 countries – each with a national board and local organisations.
- These organisations are independent, non-denominational Christian organisations.
- The International Blue Cross is the umbrella body for the national and local Blue Cross organisations – called member organisations.
What makes the Blue Cross different
- The Blue Cross approach is integrated and holistic. It incorporates the physical, psychological and social aspects of a person’s life, as well as its spiritual dimensions, into all its care and therapy.
- Blue Cross professionals and volunteers are guided by their professional ethics as well as by Christian values of respect, dignity, solidarity, and inclusiveness.
- Blue Cross presence and assistance is non-discriminatory.
- Blue Cross professionals and volunteers are deeply connected with local communities with whom they work.
- Blue Cross projects are committed to apply shared standards of professional practice in prevention and care, leadership and governance.
Where does the Blue Cross come from?
- 1877 – The Blue Cross is founded in Geneva, Switzerland, by Pastor Louis-Lucien ROCHAT.
- Blue Cross organisations emerge in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands soon after 1877.
- 1886 – The “International Federation of the Blue Cross” is established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
- 1906 – The first Blue Cross organisation outside Europe is founded in Ghana, Africa.
- More recently Blue Cross organisations have been founded in numerous other African, Latin American, and Asian countries.