As the community leader in emergency preparedness, prevention and response, the American Red Cross honors individuals whose extraordinary acts of courage and kindness make them local heroes.

Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of the Central Valley.
 

Good Samaritan Hero - Adult: The nominee has performed an act of heroism involving an unusual, significant, or unexpected incident requiring a courageous or unselfish reaction in a time of need that ultimately was resolved in the saving of another person's life.

Good Samaritan Hero - Youth: Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.

Lifesaving Rescue Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment or resourcefulness in an attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.

First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, or search and rescue. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.

Military Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military or civilian community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members.

Community Impact Hero: The nominee has displayed leadership and commitment to the community by making a positive, noticeable, and significant impact in our community. The nominee has identified a community need and created a program or service or ensured access to essential services (could include food service, postal service, public transportation, janitorial service, etc.) or otherwise took action to address community needs.

Global Citizenship Hero: The nominee has volunteered or worked to address the needs of the world’s vulnerable and unjustly treated populations by building safer, more resilient communities and providing needed relief. The eligible nominee must live or work in one of the 5 counties within the Central Valley Chapter, but may have conducted their service locally, nationally and/or internationally to assist individuals in need.

Healthcare Hero: PThe nominee is a licensed and practicing medical professional, medical student or retired medical professional. The nominee could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the incident. The nominee either exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency situation, ongoing medical need, or ongoing commitment to the community through an act/s of kindness, courage, or unselfishness in response to an identified need.

Education Hero: The nominee has displayed leadership and commitment to their community by making a positive and significant impact, and through their efforts has exhibited heroic efforts to increase access to education. This nominee(s) could be, but not limited to, a practicing teacher, school administrator, day care provider or student organization.

Clara Barton Humanitarian Hero: This nominee can be a community member or partner who exemplifies a long-standing commitment to the American Red Cross and the mission. In memoriam of Clara Barton, who found the American Red Cross over 140 years ago, this award is granted every year to honor the late Clara Barton’s legacy of humanitarian service.