National Awards and Recognition System Each day, the American Red Cross helps to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and international crises. We provide blood and tissue, teach health and safety classes, facilitate communications between members of the military and their families and deliver vital community services. Through these critical activities we provide a vital humanitarian link to people in societies around the globe. Donations of time, blood and financial resources enable us to keep our promise, "We'll be there!" Each year we invite members of the American Red Cross to take a few moments to reflect on the exceptional dedication and commitment of American Red Cross employees and volunteers. Their contributions continue to keep our humanitarian tradition strong as we enter our third century of service. Formal recognition of our staff's outstanding achievements demonstrates the importance that we as an organization place on their daily service on behalf of others. We encourage members of the American Red Cross family to nominate one or more of their colleagues, an American Red Cross unit or a collaborating organization to receive awards from our National Awards and Recognition System. For many of the awards, there are opportunities for recognition at the local, regional and national level. The National Awards and Recognition system provides an opportunity to acknowledge the innovative leadership, collaborative efforts and humanitarian spirit that continue to enhance our ability to provide vital Red Cross services to the American public. The Certificate of Merit may be awarded to nominated individuals who save or sustain a human life and who have successfully completed a Red Cross course in First Aid, CPR, or aquatics. The certificate is signed by the President of the United States and the Chairman of the American Red Cross. The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responder was created to recognize professional responders who save or sustain a life while on duty. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action may be awarded to individuals who save or sustain a life by action that exemplifies the aims of the American Red Cross. The awardees do not have to be Red Cross trained.