Posted on Jun 28, 2017
Past District Governor Pamela Kerr has been honored by the Rotary International Board of Directors with the 2016-17 Service Above Self Award. The RI Board of Directors created this award to recognize those Rotarians who truly embody Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." The Board considers this award to be Rotary International's highest honor to bestow on a Rotarian.  

Said Gov. Rick, "Pam, in conjunction with her colleague PDG Carlos Früm, is the embodiment of Service Above Self in working to establish and move forward the HealthRays Rotary project. Their desire to upgrade healthcare in several areas of Guatemala became a project to install equipment in 29 clinics that the Ministry of Health indicated would cover the country."    
In remote areas a clinic technician must have a reliable equipment system that allows the radiologist at an urban hospital to access and analyze appropriate electronic images and then consult with the clinic physician. A Memorandum of Understanding with all public, non-public and Rotary partners had to be negotiated. A manufacturer for the critical equipment package had to be found. 

Reflecting her commitment to help poor and rural Guatemalans, and using her health systems knowledge, Pam was active in these launching efforts and continues to be heavily involved every step of the way.   HealthRays, as guided by PDG Pamela Kerr and PDG Carlos Früm, is a lighthouse service project for addressing health needs countrywide, showing the way Rotarians can work through The Rotary Foundation and essential partnerships with government agencies and relevant NGOs.