Red Cross Invites People To Nominate Local Heroes For Award

(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio will recognize and pay tribute to members of the community who have shown extraordinary courage by saving or improving the lives of others at the 2026 Hero Awards of North Central Ohio. The organization will also present the Clara Ayres Award for Extraordinary Service to a member or members of the medical profession who helped in a time of crisis.

Residents of Erie, Hancock, Huron, Lorain, Putnam, Seneca and Wyandot counties are invited to nominate a hero in one of the categories listed below. These heroes responded to life’s challenges with a true humanitarian spirit, mirroring the values that motivate and inspire the work of the Red Cross. Nominees must reside or work in one of the counties listed above.

• Good Samaritan Hero – Recognizes citizens who take immediate, voluntary action to help another person in a life-threatening or critical situation, often using lifesaving skills such as CPR, first aid, or rescue techniques.
• Emergency Services Hero – Honors professional or volunteer responders, such as firefighters, police or emergency medical workers who demonstrate exceptional heroism or lifesaving action in the line of duty or while off duty.
• Youth Hero – Presented to a hero under the age of 20 who shows courage, initiative, or compassion in helping others or improving their community.
• Community Impact Hero – Recognizes individuals or organizations who have provided sustained contributions or services that significantly benefit the community.
• Blood Hero – Honors individuals or groups who support lifesaving blood donation efforts, through regular blood donation, organizing blood drives, or advocating for blood services. To nominate a hero, visit RedCross.org/NOHheroes. All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee and must be submitted by Aug. 15, 2026. The heroic act must have occurred in one of the counties listed above between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. To nominate an honoree for the Clara Ayres Award for Extraordinary Service, fill out the form here.

Those who are chosen will be honored at a special event at the Hilton Garden Inn Findlay on Oct. 7, 2026 at noon. The Red Cross thanks the Hilton Garden Inn for donating their space for this inspiring event. To purchase tickets for the event, contact Todd James, Executive Director at [email protected].

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About the Northern Ohio Region: The Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross serves 31 counties and their 5.3 million residents by preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Subscribe to our blog at nohredcross.org, find us at Facebook.com/NOHRedCross, on Instagram at Instagram.com/nohredcross, at LinkedIn.com/in/nohredcross