NSPA has a broad reach regionally reaching over 960,000 individuals and 7,600 square miles. And over the years we've found that within each of these communities there are dedicated groups who go above and beyond their own individual organizational needs, to enhance the overall preparedness capabilities for our region. So we decided to give our partners the chance to formally recognize those individuals. Those who have contributed to our Healthcare Coalition and helped to strengthen our regional preparedness capabilities in a highly significant manner by giving them a well deserved spotlight. 

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Award categories are broken down into:

Outstanding Individual: An individual who exemplifies outstanding service in healthcare emergency management; knowledge and performance of the fundamentals of emergency management; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other community and regional emergency management partners. Highest consideration is given to performing an emergency management role in a healthcare setting such as hospitals, Long Term Care, EMS, home care, public health, etc. ELIGIBILITY: Any individual engaged in regional healthcare emergency management efforts within the Near Southwest region.

Outstanding Organization: An organization who exemplifies outstanding contributions to regional healthcare emergency management; tangible support to the development of a regional effort; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other community and regional emergency management partners. Highest consideration is given to healthcare-based organizations such as hospitals, Long Term Care, EMS, home care, public health, etc ELIGIBILITY: Any organization engaged in regional healthcare emergency management efforts within the Near Southwest region.

Outstanding Partner: An individual or organization who exemplifies outstanding service in healthcare emergency management; knowledge and performance of the fundamentals of emergency management; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other community and regional emergency management partners. This individual or organization may be someone is not affiliated directly with NSPA, but has had an impact on regional healthcare preparedness. Highest consideration is given to performing an emergency management role in a healthcare setting such as hospitals, Long Term Care, EMS, home care, public health, etc. ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or organization that is not directly a member of NSPA but that has engaged in regional healthcare emergency management efforts within the Near Southwest region.

Legacy Award: given for significant contributions to the overall landscape of emergency management in the Near Southwest Region and/or beyond. A nominee's entire body of work shall be considered as well as the following criteria: The individual exemplifies outstanding service in healthcare emergency management; knowledge and performance of the fundamentals of emergency management; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other community and regional emergency management partners. Highest consideration is given to performing an emergency management role in a healthcare setting such as hospitals, long-term care, EMS, home care, public health, etc. ELIGIBILITY: Any individual engaged in regional healthcare emergency management efforts within the Near Southwest region.

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