Cruz Roja Mexicana Delegacion Cozumel: History & Principles
History

After Mexico received its independence from Spain, the army was responsible for
the emergency medical care of citizens. By 1907, however, the service was in
chaos due to insufficient funds, inefficiencies, and dissatisfaction of the
responsible officers. In 1910, by Presidential decree, the Red Cross was
recognized as an auxiliary of the army and the sole provider of day-to-day
emergency care in the Republic. In 1923, the Mexican Red Cross received its
charter as a Society of the International Red Cross Movement,  severed ties with
the army and began operations as an independent, charity organization.

Under the charter, the Red Cross mission was expanded to address both
immediate and long-term needs. In addition to community-based health care, its
activities include emergency shelter, food and medicine; water and sanitation;
restoring family contact for disaster victims; disaster preparedness;  first-aid
training and activities; control and prevention of diseases; blood-donor recruitment,
collection and supply; and youth and volunteer activities.

Cozumel remained sparsely populated before Jacques Cousteau's historic visit in
1959. During the 1960's and 70's, the island  built its infrastructure and reputation
as a mecca for divers and tourists. By 1983, the population had grown to 20,000
yet there was no emergency medical service. That year, a small group of
concerned volunteers banded together to found a Red Cross chapter and provide
an ambulance  for Cozumel.

Luis Pavia Mendoza, Director of Grupo Sol Comunicaciones (Sol radio), convinced
the Municipio to donate an old truck to the cause. Miguel Borge Martin, who later  
became the Governor of Quintana Roo (1987-1993), donated the building at Ave.
20 and Rosada Salas. Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales  took charge of the Volunteer
Ladies who held weekly dances and other social events to raise money for
operations and growth. Eventually, they bought and provisioned three van-style
ambulances similar to those in use today.

According to the latest census, taken in 2005 before Hurricane Wilma, Cozumel
had over 73,000 people living in communities in all parts of the island. As first
responder and provider of humanitarian aid, the Red Cross works closely with city
agencies and the military to maintain health and safety in every neighborhood. A
t
the end of 2009,
the Delegation moved from its downtown retail-zone location to a
new facility with ample parking on Ave. 65 South, which is much more convenient
for
most of its clients. The building was dedicated in February, 2010, and the street
it faces was named in memory of the wonderful Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales who
passed away during the fall of 2009.
Principles

The Cozumel Red Cross subscribes to the Fundamental Principles of the
International Red Cross Movement. It provides relief to victims of disaster
and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
The Principles are:

HUMANITY: To assist without discrimination. To prevent and alleviate
human suffering wherever it may be found. To protect life and health and
ensure respect for the human being. To promote mutual understanding,
friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

IMPARTIALITY: To make no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious
beliefs, class or political opinion. To relieve suffering of individuals, being
guided solely by their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases
of distress.

NEUTRALITY: To enjoy the confidence of all, to not take sides in hostilities
or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or
ideological nature.

INDEPENDENCE: While auxiliaries in humanitarian services of government
and subject to the laws of our country, to always maintain our autonomy
to act in accordance with these principles at all times.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in
any manner by a desire for gain.

UNITY: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any
one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work
throughout its territory.

UNIVERSALITY: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities
and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
Cruz Roja Cozumel is indebted to the following volunteers for their leadership:
Luis Pavia Mendoza, 1983 - 1985
Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales, 1985 - 2000
Martha Sempere, 2000-2005
Jose de la Fuente Sagaon, 2005-2010
Daniel Cortes Gomez, 2010-