Piedmont Macon accepting nominations for Community Hero Award

Piedmont Macon Medical Center is once again asking the community to help recognize the people making a difference across Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – During an interview Tuesday, Piedmont Macon CEO Steve Daugherty encouraged viewers to nominate someone for the hospital’s Community Hero Award, a quarterly honor recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to serve others.

Daugherty said the program was created to shine a spotlight on everyday heroes whose compassion and service often happen quietly behind the scenes.

The Community Hero Award is presented four times a year. Piedmont Macon collects nominations from the public and hospital employees, and the winner is selected by the hospital’s executive leadership team.

Along with the recognition, each Community Hero receives $500 to donate to the charity or nonprofit organization of their choice.

According to Daugherty, nominees are evaluated on their impact, selflessness and commitment to helping others, especially those in need.

The most recent recipient, Jeff Youmans of Milledgeville, was honored for his work through Brighter Days Ministry, a nonprofit he founded to provide safe housing, clothing and basic necessities to people across Middle Georgia.

Under Youmans’ leadership, the organization has helped furnish homes, build wheelchair ramps, donate medical equipment, stock food pantries and support families facing hardship. Piedmont Macon executives presented Youmans with the Community Hero Award in September, calling him “the definition of a hero.”

Daugherty said stories like Youmans’ reflect the heart of the program.

Community members interested in nominating a hero can find nomination information through Piedmont Macon’s website and social media platforms. Nominations are currently open.