Each year, RISE recognizes two esteemed health care professionals for making a significant impact on the health care industry. Nominations will be accepted for the annual awards through December 31.
RISE is accepting nominations for its two annual awards: the 2026 Trailblazer Award and the 2026 Health Care Hero Award. Nominations for both awards are due by December 31.
The RISE Trailblazer Award
In the spirit of the RISE mission to drive meaningful impact in the health care industry, the RISE Trailblazer Award celebrates an individual who has made a significant difference in the lives of America’s seniors by introducing groundbreaking ideas, driving transformative change in the industry or community, and setting an inspiring example through courage, creativity, and determination.
Inspired by the legacy of the late Dr. Martin L. Block, this award pays tribute to his enduring passion for transforming the healthcare system and his tireless efforts to inspire positive change.
Nominations for the award must meet the following criteria:
- The nominee must be affiliated with a Health Plan, Provider Organization, Accountable Care Organization or Vendor/Supplier in the health care marketplace.
- The nominee can be an industry newcomer or a seasoned professional.
- The nominee should have demonstrated groundbreaking innovation, transformative contributions to the industry or their community, and/or exceptional courage, creativity, and determination in their field.
Nominations must be submitted by December 31. The award will be presented at RISE National 2026, which will take place March 23-25, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. Click here to nominate a colleague.
The RISE Health Care Hero Award
The RISE Health Care Hero Award honors an individual who has made a significant impact in the lives of underserved populations through health care and/or social services interventions and through superior example of the RISE mission to promote health equity among all patients.
To submit a colleague for consideration, the nomination must meet the following criteria:
- Nominee must work in a role that addresses social determinants of health.
- Nominee must work for one of the following organizations: health plan, health care provider, social services provider / non-profit / CBO, government organization, foundation, pharmaceutical company, or vendor / supplier.
- Nominee does not need to have a medical credential to be nominated.
- Nominee must have fulfilled one of the following criteria: contributed to significant process improvement in addressing the care of underserved populations and/or dedicated 10+ years to exemplary work in this industry.
Nominations must be submitted by December 31. Award finalists will be notified by January 31, 2026, and the award will be presented at The RISE Healthy Communities Summit, which will be held March 23-25 in Orlando, Fla. Click here to nominate a colleague.