Former health minister Mengelsone becomes new head of Latvian Red Cross

RIGA - Former health minister Liga Mengelsone was elected President of the Latvian Red Cross at the organization's congress on Friday, Latvian Red Cross informed LETA. 

Before her tenure as health minister, Mengelsone headed the Latvian Employers Federation for many years. At the end of last year, the United List nominated her for the post of health minister. Mengelsone held the post for nine months. 

As President of the Latvian Red Cross, Mengelsone takes over from Viktors Jaksons who also served as Latvia's health minister in the late 1990s.

"The Latvian Red Cross is a very important organization for Latvia and for me as a supporter of the volunteer movement... I am extremely happy to join the Latvian Red Cross, proud of its strong team and its important role in the country. With my experience in healthcare and social responsibility, I will contribute to the growth of the organization and strengthen its role in Latvian society," Mengelsone said after her election.

The Latvian Red Cross has been active in Latvia for more than 105 years. It has six regional committees. The Latvian Red Cross is one of 190 members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.