Get ready to celebrate the incredible change makers within the Health Leader community!
At the heart of the Social Health Awards is a powerful truth: the Health Leader voice changes lives.
We proudly honor the incredible patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who bravely share their health journeys, transforming experiences into empathy, understanding, and real-world improvements for countless others.
This program shines a spotlight on these exceptional leaders, recognizing their accomplishments over the past year. These are leaders who courageously share their health journeys and experiences, online and in person, to:
- Spark connections and build communities for those living with health conditions.
- Deepen public understanding of what it's truly like to live with or care for someone with a health condition.
- Educate and inform about the vital roles that patients, caregivers, and HCPs play within the healthcare system.
- Shine a light on areas that need improvement or correction.
- Champion efforts to improve life with chronic conditions.
- And so much more!
Our goal is to bring awareness, attention, and amplify their voices to recognize their tireless pursuits.
If you're out there making a difference, transforming lives, and ensuring no one walks their health journey alone, we want to celebrate you!
Don't let your impact go unnoticed – submit your entry today across our 10 award categories and inspire us all with your dedication to a brighter tomorrow.
Who is Eligible?
Health Leaders 18 years and over demonstrating a commitment to online health advocacy and embodying the above principles may be nominated.
For purposes of the Social Health Awards, "healthcare professional" or "HCP" means a licensed physician (MD or DO), advanced practice provider, or doctoral-level clinical specialist. This includes, but is not limited to: physician assistants (PAs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), PharmDs, Optometrists, Psychologists, Physical Therapists (DPTs), Occupational Therapists (OTDs), Audiologists (AuDs), Chiropractors (DCs), Dentists (DDS/DMDs), and Podiatrists (DPMs).
To be considered a finalist and ultimately a winner, individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Any award benefits are non-transferrable.
What's in it for the Winners?
Winners will be announced on August 19th, 2026, during a virtual awards ceremony hosted by the Social Health Network.
The 2026 Social Health Awards winner's prize pack includes:
- Personalized Social Health Award
- A $500 cash prize
- The opportunity to serve on Health Union's Patient Leadership Council for one (1) year (estimated value $600), subject to execution of a separate participation agreement
- A one-year membership to the Society for Participatory Medicine (estimated value $50)
- U.S. Responsible Influence Certification course for free (paid for by us) for your first year (estimated value $100)
- Exclusive opportunities to connect virtually with fellow winners throughout the year!
Beyond the prize pack, winners and finalists gain a platform to share their mission with industry stakeholders, leading to new partnerships, speaking engagements, and a broader reach for their advocacy.
Best Team Prize Pack Note: Includes one $500 cash prize and personalized award, plus two individual seats on the Patient Leadership Council to represent the team’s impact.
Get ready to be inspired and to celebrate the powerful voices shaping the future of healthcare!
Sponsored by Health Union:
Health Union, LLC is proud to be the official sponsor of the Social Health Awards. The Social Health Awards are subject to our Terms of Use and Community Rules. By providing your email address, you are opting in to receive emails from SocialHealthNetwork.com. For information on how we personal information and to manage your privacy preferences, visit our Privacy Notice.
About Social Health Network:
As one of Health Union's 125+ condition-specific online communities, the Social Health Network welcomes patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to bring empathy, support, and humanity to healthcare through the power of social health. We do this by empowering and supporting our network members participating in social health. ”Social health” means the real-time actions people take to find meaningful connections and share information that affects their health journey.
We empower and support our Network members with free online resources, educational panels, networking events, and opportunities for paid engagements. The Social Health Network amplifies the voices of Health Leaders across all condition areas and puts the power of social health into practice.
Interested in joining the Social Health Network? Sign up now to take part in the world's largest network of Health Leaders.