Celebrate the Teams Who Keep Healthcare Safe
See Award CategoriesNominate your EVS team or healthcare hero for the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Awards
Thank you for your submissions.
Winners of the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Awards will be announced during the 2026 EVS Week (Sept. 13-19).
Why It Matters
Healthcare professionals across multiple roles are often the unsung heroes of patient safety. From EVS teams to infection preventionists and emerging leaders, their work ensures clean environments, reduces risk, and protects both patients and staff.
The 2026 Healthcare Heroes campaign expands its recognition with additional award categories, celebrating the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to elevate standards in healthcare every day.
How the Contest Works
Each year, healthcare facilities across the country nominate outstanding individuals and teams—from EVS departments to infection prevention professionals and emerging leaders—to be recognized as Healthcare Heroes. Submissions are reviewed by our team and evaluated based on core values that reflect excellence in healthcare environments:
-
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
Winners are announced during National EVS Week (September) and celebrated across our channels
2026 Healthcare Heroes EVS Team Award
Who Qualifies:
-
EVS teams working in hospitals or healthcare facilities
-
Teams demonstrating excellence in collaboration, infection
prevention, and patient care
What They Win:
-
Team recognition as a Healthcare Hero
-
Catered team lunch (up to $500)
-
Featured spotlight in Contec campaign (video + social + email)
-
Social Media Spotlight Kit
2026 Emerging EVS Leader (Under 35)
Who Qualifies:
-
EVS professionals under 35
-
Demonstrating leadership, innovation, and growth potential
What They Win:
-
2027 AHE Membership + Ticket to 2027 AHE Exchange
-
“Emerging EVS Leader” Trophy
-
$250–$500 Personal Award
-
Featured profile and career spotlight
2026 EVS Individual Healthcare Hero Award
Who Qualifies:
-
Individual EVS staff member
-
Goes above and beyond in daily responsibilities
What They Win:
-
$500 Cash Prize or Equivalent Gift Card
-
Premium Award
-
Featured story across campaign
2026 Infection Prevention Team Award
Who Qualifies:
-
Infection Preventionists Team or a team of professionals supporting infection control
-
Individuals driving measurable improvements in patient safety
What They Win:
-
Meal for winning IP Team (Up to $500)
-
Custom Award
-
Featured Thought Leadership Interview with team
Contec Professional's 2025 Healthcare Heroes





