health care heroes

Program overview

Health care hero award program

Celebrating Those Who Go Above and Beyond in Long-Term Care

The Health Care Hero Award is a Michigan-based recognition program created to honor exceptional individuals working within long-term care settings whose dedication to residents, co-workers, and their profession consistently goes above and beyond expectations.

Michigan’s long-term care landscape is both vast and impactful. Across 216 cities in Michigan, there are 425 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) with 44,302 certified beds, serving approximately 35,700 residents each day. While public attention often focuses on negative stories related to SNFs, these reports represent only a very small fraction of daily care delivery.

In fact, it would take approximately 700 complaints per day to suggest that even 2% of daily care experiences were negative. The reality falls well below that threshold, meaning the overwhelming majority—well over 98%—of care delivered every day reflects dedication, compassion, professionalism, and excellence. It is time to intentionally shift the narrative and celebrate the extraordinary work that defines long-term care across Michigan.

The Health Care Hero Award exists to celebrate that 98%.

Important Program Information

Purpose of the Health Care Hero Award

• Recognize outstanding individuals in Michigan long-term care settings

• Celebrate excellence, compassion, and professionalism across all roles

• Shift the narrative by highlighting the positive impact made every day

• Reinforce a culture of respect, teamwork, and service

Eligibility

• Open to any position within a Michigan-based long-term care setting

• Clinical, administrative, support, and ancillary team members are all eligible

• Nominees must demonstrate performance that exceeds normal job expectations

• Submissions will expire after 6 month

Award Recognition

Each Health Care Hero Award recipient will receive:

• A commemorative Health Care Hero trophy

• A $1,000 monetary award

• The coveted Health Care Hero Purple Cape, symbolizing excellence, compassion, and

leadership

Awards will be presented monthly, beginning in April 2026.

Nomination Requirements

To be considered, a completed nomination application must be submitted electronically and include:

• Nominee’s name, title, facility, and contact information

• Contact information for the individual submitting the nomination

• A 250–600 word essay describing why the nominee deserves recognition

Essay Criteria

The nomination essay should include specific examples demonstrating:

• Outstanding performance in the nominee’s role

• A positive, uplifting attitude toward residents, co-workers, family members, and

volunteers

• Respectful interactions in all encounters

• What differentiates the nominee from their peers

• Significant contributions or actions that go above and beyond normal daily

responsibilities

All application materials must be typed and submitted electronically through the website.

Selection Process

Award recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Healthcare Excellence Council.

The selection process is designed to ensure:

• Fairness and consistency

• Alignment with program values• Representation across long-term care communities

Why this matters

Long-term care professionals make a difference every day, often without recognition. The Health Care Hero Award is a commitment to:

• Celebrate excellence

• Elevate the voices and stories of those doing extraordinary work

• Honor the individuals who truly define quality care in Michigan

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The Health Care Hero Award is more than recognition—it is a movement to celebrate what is right in long-term care. By honoring the individuals who consistently go above and beyond, we einforce the values that matter most and shine a light on the 98% who deserve to be celebrated.