During III National Forum of the Russian Red Cross, departmental and international awards were presented to employees and volunteers of the Russian Red Cross. Among those honored, there were representatives fr om more than 30 regions of Russia who made an important contribution to the development of the assistance system to the population and human rights protection.
The Forum was held from May 29 to 31, 2025. The key issue of 2025 is the strategic development of the Russian Red Cross in the context of new humanitarian challenges and large-scale transformation of the organization. Also, the participants were discussing the interim results of the implementation of the 2028 Strategy and the role of the RRC in achieving nationwide goals in the social protection and health care sectors in Russia.
One of the key events was the Florence Nightingale Medal presentation. This medal is an international award established by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1912 in memory of Florence Nightingale, who became the founder of nursing care. The medal is awarded to nurses and medical professionals for exceptional devotion to the profession, courage and compassion in providing assistance to victims in peacetime and during armed conflicts. Throughout the history, the Florence Nightingale Medal was awarded to 46 representatives of the Russian Red Cross in the USSR. In modern Russia, there are only seven such cases. This fact accentuates the exclusivity and significance of the award not only at the nationwide but also at the international level. Elena Brezhneva and Ludmila Berdieva, who are experienced nurses and longtime volunteers of the Russian Red Cross, became the new recipients of the medal.
“These awards are a testament to the tremendous, daily and often unnoticed work of our employees and volunteers. It is very important for us to show how meaningful the work is in the areas of assistance and volunteering, wh ere much is left behind the scenes. Our colleagues do not just perform their official duties. The provide daily support and share human warmth with those who are in dire need of it. This recognition is a milestone to emphasize that their efforts are noticed and appreciated not only in the professional community, but also at the level of the entire country and international partners”, commented Pavel SAVCHUK, the President of the Russian Red Cross.
Elena Brezhneva has been a member to the RRC regional branch in Voronezh since 1999. She combines her work as a senior nurse in the Cardiology department with participation in the volunteer movement and mentoring young specialists. In 2023, she was awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
Ludmila Berdieva, being a chief nurse at the Magadan Regional Hospital, has been an RRC volunteer since 2022. She has developed dozens of initiatives in prevention of diseases, education and employee support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ludmila Berdieva assumed responsibility for the medical facility and management of the “Red zone” and personally helped colleagues, patients and their families.
Elena Brezhneva and Ludmila Berdieva are being recognized for many years of service to the health care system and active participation in humanitarian initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they organized and coordinated COVID-19 hospitals, assisted patients with severe health conditions, and participated in volunteer and donor programs. Their work encompasses not only the professional field, but also the ongoing participation in health education activities, support for the elderly people and children, as well as disease prevention activities.
Beyond that, more than 50 representatives of the Russian Red Cross from various regions across the whole country, from Belgorod to Irkutsk, Dagestan and Primorye regions, were awarded commendations from the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the Commissioner for Human Rights.
