By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A stark warning has been issued by a veteran leader of the Costa Rican Red Cross, painting a grim picture of the country’s future if the institution’s deepening financial crisis is not urgently addressed. With a legacy spanning over six decades, former president Guillermo Arroyo has challenged the nation to imagine a single day without its most vital emergency service, suggesting the outcome would be catastrophic.
The Benemérita institution, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s emergency response network, is facing an unprecedented economic shortfall that threatens its very ability to operate. Arroyo, whose career with the organization is a testament to its enduring importance, made a desperate plea for intervention from both the government and the public to prevent what he calls an impending national tragedy.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal framework and operational responsibilities of such a vital national institution, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis.
The Costa Rican Red Cross operates under a unique legal framework, recognized by national law as an auxiliary to the public powers in humanitarian matters. This special status grants it operational independence but also imposes an immense responsibility for transparency and accountability. Every donation received and every action taken is subject to public scrutiny and must align strictly with its humanitarian mandate. Any deviation not only risks legal repercussions but, more critically, erodes the public trust that is the very foundation of its existence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the Red Cross’s special legal status is, in essence, a social contract with the nation—one where every action must reinforce the public trust upon which its entire mission rests. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical dynamic between accountability and humanitarian service.
I would challenge the country to close the Red Cross for one day to see what it would do; that would be a demonstration of the institution’s importance for the entire nation and the impact of not having its support.
Guillermo Arroyo, Former President of the Costa Rican Red Cross
The scale of the crisis is alarming. According to current Red Cross Manager Walter Fallas, the financial strain is not a distant threat but an immediate reality. Dozens of local committees are on the verge of collapse, jeopardizing the rapid response capabilities that Costa Ricans in every corner of the country depend on. This comes after a year, 2025, where the organization responded to an average of one incident every minute.
Right now, we have approximately 66 committees throughout the country that are in the red, which means the continuity of emergency care services could be at risk.
Walter Fallas, Manager of the Red Cross
Arroyo emphasized that the challenges facing the Red Cross today are vastly different from when he began his service. Modern societal issues, particularly the pervasive impact of drug trafficking, have dramatically increased the workload and the danger for responders. He noted the immense strain this illicit activity places on emergency services, from treating overdoses to responding to associated violence, all of which are uncompensated costs borne by the struggling institution.
I respectfully ask the Powers of the State and the people of Costa Rica not to allow the Red Cross to have to close committees or reduce staff, because if this happens, it is the country that will suffer.
Guillermo Arroyo, Former President of the Costa Rican Red Cross
In a striking paradox, this financial emergency coincides with a historic peak in human capital. Red Cross President Dyanne Marenco revealed that the institution reached a record 6,977 volunteers last year. This dedicated force, trained from a young age, provides an invaluable service that saved the organization an estimated ¢12 billion in potential salary expenses. This massive volunteer effort is effectively subsidizing a critical state function, but goodwill alone cannot pay for fuel, medical supplies, and vehicle maintenance.
The reliance on this volunteer spirit, while noble, highlights the unsustainable financial model that now threatens to unravel decades of life-saving work. Marenco is leading the call for systemic change, urging government authorities to collaborate on a new, durable funding mechanism that can guarantee the institution’s long-term survival and ability to serve.
We need the authorities to support us in 2026 so that we can find a sustainable source of financing for the Red Cross over time, one that allows us to continue providing a sustained service.
Dyanne Marenco, President of the Red Cross
As the institution stands at this critical juncture, the question posed by its former president hangs heavy in the air. The nobility and record-breaking dedication of its volunteers are undeniable, yet they are pitted against a dire economic reality. Without a swift and decisive financial solution, Costa Rica risks discovering the answer to what a day without the Red Cross looks like—a reality no citizen wishes to experience.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About Costa Rican Red Cross:
The Costa Rican Red Cross (Cruz Roja Costarricense) is a humanitarian organization that forms part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. As an auxiliary to the public powers in the humanitarian field, it provides a wide range of services, including pre-hospital emergency medical care, disaster response, blood donation services, and community health programs. Guided by the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, it serves vulnerable communities throughout Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, defined by its principled approach and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces forward-thinking legal solutions and active community involvement. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby fostering a more legally aware and empowered citizenry.
