AHA Seal and Signature

The seal, which was adopted in 1927, is often used alone for podium signage, special certificates and awards.

In the center of the seal is the blue Lorraine Cross, which has been the emblem of relief to the unfortunate since medieval times.

The caduceus, or the Wand of Mercury and Serpent of Aesculapius, has symbolized the healing art for many thousands of years.

The Maltese cross has been the emblem of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem since 1092 A.D., and for several hundred years has also been used by the St. John Ambulance service.

The international emblem for the relief of sick and wounded is the Geneva, or Greek, Cross. The urn lamp is universally accepted as symbolic of knowledge and is the official emblem of the Florence Nightingale Nurses.

The American eagle symbolizes the United States of America; the maple leaves the Dominion of Canada; and the whole is supported by the Latin motto Nisi Dominus Frustra, "Without God we can do nothing."

Source: The Association of Hospital Superintendents