The History of the Brazilian Red Cross began in 1907, thanks to the action of Dr. Joaquim de Oliveira Botelho, an educated and enthusiastic spirit who, inspired by what he had witnessed in other countries, was moved by the desire to see, here too, founded and functioning, a Red Cross Society. Together with other health professionals and society members, he held a meeting on October 17 of that year at the Geography Society of Rio de Janeiro, to launch the bases of the organization of the Brazilian Red Cross. At a meeting held on December 5, 1908, the Articles of Association of the Company were discussed and approved. This date was consecrated as the foundation of the Brazilian Red Cross, which had as its first President the Sanitarian Oswaldo Cruz.

The "Ladies of the Brazilian Red Cross", a committee created by a group of ladies from the Carioca society, gave rise to the Women's Section, which would have as its first task, the formation of the volunteer nurses. The seed thus planted would bear fruit and, in order to allow the operation of other courses suggested by the Women's Section, the Practical Nursing School was created and inaugurated in March 1916, under the efficient management of Dr. Getúlio dos Santos, then Medical Captain of the Army. With the declaration of war from Brazil to the Central Empires (Germany and its allies), the Society would expand with intensification of the Nursing Courses and with the creation of state and municipal branches, with São Paulo being the top priority. In 1919, the branches were already in the number of 16.

The Brazilian Red Cross participated in the constitution of the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1919, joining it. In their country, it became a model institution, as foreseen in the Geneva Conventions, as in times of peace, bringing aid to victims of disasters and natural disasters (droughts, floods, earthquakes, etc.).

It is recognized by the Brazilian government as a voluntary relief society, autonomous, auxiliary to the public authorities and, in particular, military health services, as well as the only national Red Cross Society authorized to carry out its activities throughout the Brazilian territory.