The American Red Cross of Northern Ohio honors individuals who performed heroic acts of extraordinary courage. We recognize ordinary people who put themselves in harm’s way or risked their own lives to save or improve another life or lives.
 

Do you know someone who rescued a family from a home fire? A passerby who pulled a weak swimmer to safety? A neighbor who administered CPR or abdominal thrusts to save a life? A dog that alerted its family to a fire?
 

If you do, we need your help identifying these local heroes!

Hero Categories

Heroes can fall into one of these 5 categories:

Good Samaritan Hero

Recognizes an ordinary citizen who takes 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. Emphasizes courage, quick thinking, and selflessness.

Emergency Services Hero

Honors professional or volunteer responders (e.g., firefighters, police, EMS, healthcare responders) who demonstrate exceptional heroism or lifesaving action in the line of duty or off duty. Focuses on bravery, professionalism, and rapid emergency response.

Youth Hero

Presented to a young person (typically 20 or under) who shows courage, initiative, or compassion in helping others or improving their community. Highlights leadership and moral courage in younger individuals.

Community Impact Hero

Recognizes individuals or organizations with sustained contributions that significantly benefit the community rather than a single incident. Focuses on long-term service, volunteerism, or leadership.

Blood Hero

Honors individuals or groups who support lifesaving blood donation efforts, either through donating blood regularly, organizing drives, or advocating for blood services. Recognizes contributions that help save countless lives.

Nominees must reside or work within the following counties: Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties (2027 Hero Awards), or Erie, Hancock, Huron, Lorain, Putnam, Seneca, and Wyandot Counties. (2026 North Central Hero Awards)

Nominations for the 2026 North Central Heroes close August 1, 2026

Nominations for the 2027 Hero Awards will close December 31, 2026.

The 2026 North Central Hero Awards will take place on October 7, 2026.

The 2027 Hero Awards will take place on July 13, 2027.