(Black PR Wire) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has awarded Dr. Rebecca Harris-Smith the Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international distinction a nurse can receive. Dr. Harris-Smith, EdD, MSN, BA, RN, FADLN, is one of only 35 recipients worldwide to be honored this year, selected from 17 countries for her extraordinary service and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession.

The Florence Nightingale Medal recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional courage and commitment in caring for victims of armed conflict and natural disasters, as well as those who have made lasting contributions to public health and nursing education. This year marks the 50th awarding of the medal, with the Commission paying special tribute to healthcare workers who lost their lives while serving on humanitarian missions.

Nominated by the American Red Cross, Dr. Harris-Smith was honored for her exemplary leadership and pioneering contributions to nursing education and public health. She has served for many years as the official representative of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to the American Red Cross National Nursing Committee. In this capacity, she worked closely with the Red Cross to organize the annual blood drive at the NBNA Institute and Conference. Her efforts have significantly impacted underserved communities and advanced global health initiatives through both direct care and policy advocacy.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Rebecca Harris-Smith and her well-deserved recognition with the Florence Nightingale Medal,” said Dr. Sheldon D. Fields, President of the National Black Nurses Association. “Her selfless service and innovative spirit embody the true essence of nursing and humanitarianism.”

Recipients of the Florence Nightingale Medal are selected by an esteemed commission composed of representatives from the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Council of Nurses.

Dr. Harris-Smith joins a distinguished legacy of nursing professionals who continue to uphold the values of compassion, courage, and excellence in care—values championed by Florence Nightingale herself.

About the Florence Nightingale Medal:

Established in 1912, the Florence Nightingale Medal is awarded biennially and remains the highest international distinction for nurses. It recognizes outstanding courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disasters and exceptional service or pioneering spirit in public health or nursing education.

About the National Black Nurses Association:

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) was founded in 1971 with a mission to provide a forum for Black nurses to advocate for the improvement of health and healthcare delivery for African Americans and other people of color. NBNA is committed to increasing the number of African Americans in the nursing profession and to enhancing the educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Black nurses.