The Apple Distinguished Member Award recognizes the commitment and expertise of a hospital teacher or hospital school leader by honoring a HEAL member who demonstrates excellence in the delivery of curriculum and instruction to students with medical or mental health needs across all grade and ability levels. 

This educator demonstrates creativity and passion in the individualized and meaningful lessons they curate for their patients daily, while ensuring the patient feels motivated and connected to their school community and peers.

The award winner not only supports their patients inside the hospital classroom but extends their partnership to school teams to ensure that the patient has the needed skills to be successful as they re-enter their community school.  

HEAL membership required to be eligible for this award.

The Bridge Award honors the contributions of an individual or group whose work bridges the gap between hospital and school for students with medical and mental health needs. Their work supports the mission of HEAL, and makes our members’ work possible.  The ideal recipient of the Bridge Award does one or more of the following: actively engages in legislation that supports the betterment of school environments and policies for students with mental health or medical needs, makes an impact within the hospital or community through the creation of programs or speaking engagements that highlight the need for the work we do or support school initiative for patients.  HEAL recognizes these special efforts in supporting our members and/or the children, families, and schools we serve.

 HEAL membership NOT required to be eligible for this award.