This program celebrates the outstanding contributions of healthcare professionals across Northeast Ohio. Nominees can be anyone working in the healthcare field and do not have to be direct patient care roles. 

Now is your opportunity to recognize a colleague, mentor, team member or healthcare professional whose compassion, service and dedication have made a meaningful difference. Help us shine a light on those whose work exemplifies compassion in action. 

Nominations are open through July 24.

Finalists will be notified by the end of September.

The Compassion in Action Awards Dinner will be held on October 29, 2026, bringing together colleagues, friends and community leaders to celebrate individuals whose compassion and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. All finalists will be honored during the event, and recipients in each award category will be announced. Event registration coming soon.

Our Compassion in Action Award categories include:

• Guardian of Service Award
  This award honors those who show up with purpose and follow through with pride. They’re the dependable ones—always willing to help, always putting care into their work, no matter how big or small the task. Their commitment runs deep, and you can feel it in the way they support their team, take responsibility, and keep things running behind the scenes. They don’t seek recognition, but their steady presence makes a difference every single day.

• Heart of Healthcare Award
  This award is for someone who leads with heart. They are the ones who notice when someone is struggling, offer comfort without being asked, and create a sense of warmth and connection for patients, families, and coworkers alike. Their compassion isn’t just part of the job—it’s who they are. Whether at a bedside, in a breakroom, or behind the scenes, they make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. They remind us that healthcare is as much about humanity as it is about healing.

• Inclusive Impact Award
  This award honors someone who helps everyone feel like they belong. They speak up for fairness, celebrate what makes us different, and help create an environment where all voices are welcomed. From building bridges between coworkers to lifting up underserved communities, they lead with inclusion—bringing people together and making sure no one feels left out.

• Rising Star Award
  This one’s for someone who’s just getting started but already shines. Whether they’re full of ideas, eager to grow, or always willing to lend a hand, they bring fresh energy and inspire those around them. We’re looking for individuals in the early part of their careers who are making a real difference through their curiosity, creativity, and can-do attitude.

• Legacy of Compassion Award
  Designed to recognize individuals later in their careers, this award honors those who uphold and contribute to the rich history of healthcare in Northeast Ohio. Legacy of Compassion recognizes those who preserve traditions, celebrate historical contributions, and ensure that the mission and values of healthcare endure for future generations.

Winners will receive a keepsake award and a $500 cash prize!