Donate Panama · Our partners in Panama
Cruz Roja Panameña
Panama's Red Cross Society. Its volunteers were helping families from the first hours of the earthquake, from Penonomé to Pedasí.
At a glance
A national network with volunteers in every region
Founded in 1917 and a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) since 1925, Cruz Roja Panameña supports the public authorities in emergencies, health care and community development.
- 1,300
- Volunteers
- 109
- Staff
- 23
- Branches
- 28
- Local units
The earthquake response
On the ground since the first hours
Staff and volunteers were mobilised on 9 October to give first aid and emotional support, assess damage and help evacuate families, working with the authorities and first responders.
Volunteers gave first aid, water and temporary shelter at the local branch.
Teams checked conditions in communities, assessed damage and supported evacuations where needed.
Teams helped people affected, took people to medical care and supported those in emotional distress.
Teams supported hospital care for people who needed it.
Coordination and damage assessment under way.
Photo: REUTERS
Photo: Alejo Vargas
Photo: REUTERSWhat they do
How Cruz Roja Panameña helps after a disaster
Under Law 422 of 2024, the National Society works with national, provincial and local authorities in emergencies, supporting the security forces and the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC).
Its plan for 2026 includes
- National Intervention Teams covering health, water and sanitation, emotional support and protection during major emergencies
- Early recovery in at least 50 disaster-affected communities, including help to restore livelihoods, emotional support and mosquito control
- New and repaired water points, handwashing stations and toilets in high-risk areas
- Mobile health teams for emergencies, including vaccination support and rapid disease surveillance
- Community brigades trained in first aid, shelter management and early warning
Before the earthquake
Who they planned to reach in 2026
These targets were set in February 2026, before the earthquake. In 2023 the National Society also reached about 117,000 people through its services for migrants.
Backed by a global network
Part of the world's largest humanitarian network
The IFRC network planned CHF 2.8 million of support in Panama for 2026: CHF 1.1 million through Cruz Roja Panameña itself, CHF 651,000 through partner Red Cross societies and CHF 1.1 million through the IFRC.
The Spanish Red Cross has worked with Cruz Roja Panameña for more than 40 years, with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
Red Cross societies supporting Panama in 2026
- American Red Cross
- Canadian Red Cross
- Italian Red Cross
- Netherlands Red Cross
- Spanish Red Cross
- Swiss Red Cross
Half of every donation goes to Cruz Roja Panameña
We send everything raised, less card fees, 50/50 to Cruz Roja Panameña and Club de Leones de Panamá, at least every 14 days, and publish each transfer with its receipt.
Meet our other partner, Club de Leones de Panamá →Donate Panama is an independent volunteer appeal. We are not part of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and this page does not use the Red Cross emblem, which is protected by law.