In the spring of 2017, Healthcare News and its sister publication, BusinessWest, created a new and exciting recognition program called Healthcare Heroes. It was launched with the theory that there are heroes working all across this region’s wide, deep, and all-important healthcare sector, and that there was no shortage of fascinating stories to tell and individuals and groups to honor. That theory has certainly been validated. But there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of heroes whose stories we still need to tell, especially in these times, when the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many types of heroes to the forefront. And that’s where you come in. We encourage you to get involved and help recognize someone you consider to be a hero in the community we call Western Mass. in one (or more) of these seven categories:

• Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider;
• Health/Wellness Administrator/Administration;
• Emerging Leader;
• Community Health;
• Innovation in Health/Wellness;
• Collaboration in Health/Wellness; and
• Lifetime Achievement

To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400-500-word essay, and/or video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2024.

Nominations for the class of 2024 are due by July 29 at 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

Judging

The judging process will commence August 1, 2024 and be completed by mid-August. Nominees cannot serve as awards judges. All eligible nominations received will be judged by a panel of health care industry experts whose evaluations will determine winners of the “Healthcare Heroes” Awards from among the nominees under consideration.

Nominations

Nominations must be submitted via the designated online form. Mail-in nominations will not be accepted. Nominations may be submitted effective June 24, 2024 and must be received no later July 29, 2024 at 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Notification and Recognition

BusinessWest and Healthcare News plans to notify the winners of the “Healthcare Heroes” Awards by late August, 2024 and will be profiled in the September 16 edition of BusinessWest and Healthcare News.

Eligibility

• Nominees must work in either Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire county and organization nominees must have offices in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire county (may be for-profit or not-for-profit).
• Nominations may be self-nominated or nominated by another person.
• Nominees cannot be a member of the judges’ panel or member of the judges’ immediate family.

Check out our Healthcare Heroes event page for details about the 2023 Healthcare Heroes Gala.

If using mobile device to submit nomination, please make sure your phone is in Portrait view mode.

Submitting multiple duplicate nominations does not enhance your chances of winning.