Every day, healthcare professionals work behind the scenes to create safe environments for patients, visitors, and staff. While doctors and nurses are often the face of patient care, countless EVS Professionals and Infection Preventionists quietly protect patient safety through exceptional cleaning, infection prevention, and teamwork.
At Contec Professional, we believe these individuals deserve to be celebrated.
That's why we're excited to announce the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Contest, our annual recognition program honoring the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to make healthcare facilities cleaner, safer, and stronger.
Why We Celebrate Healthcare Heroes
Every clean patient room, disinfected operating suite, and infection prevention protocol contributes to better patient outcomes. EVS professionals and Infection Preventionists work tirelessly to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), improve safety, and create healing environments.
Their work is essential—but too often, it happens behind the scenes.
The Contec Professional Healthcare Heroes Contest was created to recognize these dedicated professionals, share their inspiring stories, and shine a spotlight on the people whose commitment makes a lasting difference in healthcare facilities across the country.
Each nomination provides valuable insight into the challenges, innovations, and teamwork that define today's healthcare environments.
What Makes a Healthcare Hero?
Whether you're nominating an individual or an entire team, we're looking for healthcare professionals who exemplify:
- Exceptional Teamwork – How individuals or teams collaborate to achieve outstanding results.
- Camaraderie & Spirit – What makes working with them impactful, positive, and inspiring.
- Doing #WhateverItTakes – How they go above and beyond to support patients, staff, and their facility.
- Innovative Cleaning Techniques – Creative approaches and measurable contributions that elevate infection prevention and patient safety.
Healthcare Heroes Award Categories
EVS Team Healthcare Hero Award
Recognizing Environmental Services teams that demonstrate exceptional teamwork, innovation, and dedication to maintaining safe healthcare environments.
Winning Team Receives:
- Catered team lunch (up to $500)
- Featured spotlight across Contec Professional
website, email, video, and social media - Team recognition as a Healthcare Hero
Emerging EVS Leader Award (Under 35)
Celebrating rising Environmental Services professionals under 35 years old who are shaping the future of healthcare through leadership, innovation, and professional growth.
Winner Receives:
- 2027 AHE Membership + Ticket to 2027 AHE Exchange
- “Emerging EVS Leader” Trophy
- $250-$500 Personal Award
- Featured profile and career spotlight
EVS Individual Healthcare Hero Award
Honoring an individual EVS professional who consistently exceeds expectations through compassion, dedication, and exceptional service.
Winner Receives:
- $500 cash prize (or equivalent gift card)
- Premium Recognition Award
- Featured story across campaign
Infection Prevention Hero Award
Recognizing Infection Preventionists or professionals supporting infection control who drive measurable improvements in patient safety.
Winner Receives:
- 2027 APIC Conference Attendance Ticket
- Custom Recognition Award
- Featured Thought Leadership Interview
- Donation to Hospital Department
How to Nominate a Healthcare Hero
Submit your nomination using this form:
Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Winners will be chosen based on the strength of the nomination story and announced during National EVS Week.
Looking Back at the 2025 Healthcare Heroes
Last year, we had the privilege of recognizing remarkable EVS teams from hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. Their stories showcased extraordinary compassion, innovative cleaning practices, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.
From supporting overwhelmed clinical staff during challenging situations to implementing creative infection prevention strategies, these teams reminded us that healthcare excellence depends on every member of the care environment.
We can't wait to discover the inspiring stories that 2026 will bring.
