National Awards and Recognition System
Each day, the American Red Cross helps to prevent, prepare for and respond to
disasters and international crises. We provide blood and tissue, teach health
and safety classes, facilitate communications between members of the military
and their families and deliver vital community services. Through these critical
activities we provide a vital humanitarian link to people in societies around
the globe. Donations of time, blood and financial resources enable us to keep
our promise, "We'll be there!"
Each year we invite members of the American Red Cross to take a few moments
to reflect on the exceptional dedication and commitment of American Red Cross
employees and volunteers. Their contributions continue to keep our humanitarian
tradition strong as we enter our third century of service. Formal recognition of
our staff's outstanding achievements demonstrates the importance that we as an
organization place on their daily service on behalf of others.
We encourage members of the American Red Cross family to nominate one or more
of their colleagues, an American Red Cross unit or a collaborating organization
to receive awards from our National Awards and Recognition System. For many of
the awards, there are opportunities for recognition at the local, regional and
national level.
The National Awards and Recognition system provides an opportunity to
acknowledge the innovative leadership, collaborative efforts and humanitarian
spirit that continue to enhance our ability to provide vital Red Cross services
to the American public.
- The Certificate of Merit may be awarded to nominated individuals
who save or sustain a human life and who have successfully completed a Red
Cross course in First Aid, CPR, or aquatics. The certificate is signed by
the President of the United States and the Chairman of the American Red
Cross.
- The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responder was created to
recognize professional responders who save or sustain a life while on duty.
- The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action may be awarded to
individuals who save or sustain a life by action that exemplifies the aims
of the American Red Cross. The awardees do not have to be Red Cross trained.
Local Awards and Recognition System
- Clara Barton Award embodies the spirit and mission of the American
Red Cross. It is given in recognition of quality of service,
enhancement of the Red Cross spirit of giving and contributions to the
community.
- Clara Barton Youth Award is the same as above but for a Youth
volunteer between 14 and 17 years of age.
- Grady White Volunteer Award is given to a disaster services
volunteer who epitomizes loyalty and support of the Red Cross.
- Administrative/Leadership Award is given to an individual who has
provided service in an administrative or leadership role such as board
leadership or committee contributions.
- Help Can't Wait Award is given for an unexpected exceptional
first-time contribution to the Red Cross by an individual, group,
organization or business and is awarded for spontaneous and unsolicited help
in any area, including fundraising, volunteer recruitment or contribution.
- Chairperson's Award is given to a community business, organization,
agency or group who has helped the Red Cross provide needed services to our
local community.
- Mazie Woodruff Award is given to an individual volunteer for
lifetime achievement in service to others through the Northwest North
Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross.
- Lawrence G. Reid Award is given for an exceptional contribution to
the blood program by an individual, group, organization or business.
- Exceptional Volunteer Service Awards - Emergency
Services, Volunteer/Blood Services and Health & Safety Services
- Volunteer of the Year Awards - Emergency Services, Volunteer/Blood
Services and Health & Safety Services