User:Brittanypryce/Bulgarian Red Cross

The Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) was established in 1878 after the liberation of the Principality of Bulgaria and the region of Eastern Rumelia (which was an independent territory) from control of the Ottoman Empire. The first BRC organization was established in May of 1878 in the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rulmelia, in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria.

History
The regional governor, V.P. Alabin, recruited many prominent citizens of the city of Sofia, and led their work in the first BRC. The two Bulgarian provinces, the Prinicipality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, became unified on Septemeber 20, 1885. The National Organization of the BRC was then founded, with the approval of the statues of the organization by the first Bulgarian Prince, Prince Alexander of Battenberg. On October 20, 1885, the BRC was recognized by, and became a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Significant contributions made by Tsar Boris III during the period of 1918-1943, which provided the organization with the ability to establish itself, and to take the first steps towards creating a Bulgarian social health system. Traditionally, royal persons were patrons to the BRC, and was most strongly supported, by the work of Tsaritsa Eleonore (previously known as Eleonore of Reuss-Köstritz), the second wife of Tsar Ferdinand I, and Tsaritsa consort Giovanna (previously knows as Giovanna of Italy), wife of Tsar Boris III, Ferdinand's son. The BRC significantly contributed to the establishment of a Bulgarian social health system. The organization has built multiple hospitals, some of which are located in Sofia, Pleven, Haskovo, and Burgas. The Red Cross hospitals, when they were first established as well as today, have been reviewed as some of the most modern and reputable state medical facilities. The first, and for a great while, the only school for nurses in the country was established in 1900 as a part of these hospitals. Using this original structure as an example, many schools and colleges for medical nurses have been established throughout the country. The organization established forms of sanitary aviation and emergency medical care in Bulgaria, as well as voluntary blood donation. During times of war and battles for national unification, the BRC provided a substantial service of medical treatment of sick and wounded soldiers on the front line in battle.

During times of peace, the BRC experienced a few great struggles as well. Immediately after the Exchange of populations between Turkey and Greece, which forced the Muslims of Greece and the Turkish Muslims in Thrace (nearly 400,000 people) and 1,300,000 Greeks from Turkey into Greece, Bulgaria experienced an influx of refugees who had fled due to religious persecution. An earthquake in 1928 which affected Chirpan and Plovdiv, and destroyed 21,000 buildings, killing 130 people; and the large influx of Mediterranean Sea refugees. The medical workers of the BRG did an exceptional job of dealing with these problems and saved thousands of people from starvation and distress, with the help of multiple members of the ICRC.

The headquarters of the BRC is located in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Branches
The BRC affectively assists multiple areas within the country. Each branch of the BRC follows the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which are:


 * Humanity
 * Impartiality
 * Neutrality
 * Independence
 * Voluntary Service
 * Unity
 * Universiality

The branches of the BRC are located in: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardjali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardjik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Russe, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol.

References:
1. Bulgarian Red Cross. Web. 7 October 2010. http://www.redcross.bg/cgi-bin/e-cms/vis/vis.pl?s=001&p=0078&g=

2. Global Security. Web. 8 November 2010. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/greco-turkish-megali-katastrofi.htm