The Lithuanian Red Cross society was founded in 1919, accepted to the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in 1923, incorporated into the Alliance of Red Cross and Red Crescent of the USSR in 1940. Reconstituted as an independent Lithuanian Red Cross 1990.03.21 Reestablished into the International Federation 1991.10.25. There are about 10.000 Red Cross members in Lithuania.

Lithuanian Red Cross has 40 visiting nurses working in 26 local committees. They take care of more than 800 old lonely sick and handicapped people in their homes. Visiting nurses provide social, medical and psychological assistance for free. Lithuanian Red Cross also trained volunteers to assist nurses: 300 for nursing and 270 for psychological help.

Lithuanian Red Cross together with local municipalities, state and non - governmental institutions regulary arrange visits to their patients, on the ocassion of season holidays, distributing food parcel, nursing materials, other things. People who can walk are invited to communication evening - organized by municipalities and Red Cross volunteers. These events are breaking the isolation of lonely and sick or handicapped people.

First Aid training is one of priority activities of Lithuanian Red Cross. This programme started in 1991. At present there are 40 certified FA instructor, 181 voluntary first aid instructors and 5 youth first aid instructors volunteers. Lithuanian Red Cross collected good training materials in first aid (manequins, leafets, first aid manuals, training video etc.).

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Artūras Melianas was elected Vice-president of Lithuanian Red Cross in 2004.