The West Virginia Health Care Hero Award is a new community awards program hosted by West Virginians for Affordable Health Care in partnership with the West Virginia Rural Health Association to recognize and celebrate individuals who take personal initiative to improve access to and delivery of health services in West Virginia and in their local communities.

These outstanding West Virginians go above and beyond to connect folks in their communities with local health services. Their everyday acts of heroism help keep our communities strong and healthy as they strive to overcome the barriers to equitable health care in our state. 

Who is eligible to be a Health Care Hero? 

Eligible nominees may include direct care providers such as doctors, nurses, home health aids, EMTs and paramedics. They may also be social workers, program coordinators, or any other member of your community who has made a positive impact on the overall health and wellness of others. They may be a medical professional who goes the extra mile for their patients, someone who volunteered to help at a COVID vaccination clinic, or a person who simply goes out of their way to drive their neighbor to the doctor.  It may be your neighbor or friend who decided to share their personal story to help pass a bill in the state legislature or to change a health policy at the local level.

Awardees will be selected on a monthly basis. The awardee and the person who nominated them will be recognized on both the WVAHC and WVRHA websites and social media accounts, in our newsletters, and will also be announced to local media. Each Awardee will be honored by a $100 donation in their name to a local community organization of their choice. 

How do I nominate someone for the Health Care Hero Award?

Do you know someone who’s making a positive impact on the health of your community or state? Nominate them for the West Virginia Health Care Hero Award.  The nomination form will only take a few minutes to fill out.  All nominations will be reviewed by the staff and board members of WVAHC and WVRHA and an awardee will be selected each month. 

Health Care Hero Nomination form