Newswise — The Hopi Foundation announced today that Allen Keller, M.D., Founder and Director of the NYU/Bellevue Survivor's of Torture Program in New York, has been selected to receive the 2003 Barbara Chester Award for clinicians/practitioners working with survivors of torture. Under Dr. Keller's leadership, the Program has cared for over 1,000 men, women, and children from over 70 different countries. These individuals have received comprehensive medical, mental health, social, and legal services.
The award — which includes a $10,000 cash prize and a handcrafted silver Hopi Indian eagle feather sculpture — will be formally presented on the 7th of September in Copenhagen, Denmark, in conjunction with the annual Council meeting of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). Representatives from more than 25 countries will be in attendance at the Award ceremony.
The Award was established by the Hopi Foundation in 1999 to honor the life and work of Dr. Barbara Chester. Dr. Chester, who died from cancer at age 47, directed the first treatment program in the United States for torture survivors and went on to found and direct the Hopi Foundation's Center for the Prevention and Resolution of Violence (CPRV) in Tucson, AZ.
"In keeping with the Hopi Foundation's mission to promote traditional values of stewardship and care for all of life, we are proud to honor the healing work of Dr. Allen Keller," said Barbara Poley, Executive Director of the Hopi Foundation. "Dr. Keller reflects the values, the respect, tireless dedication, and the depth of compassion that were the core of Barbara Chester's being. Indeed, I hope this award will be a reminder, year after year, of the power of compassion."
The IRCT, which is hosting the award ceremony, is an international organization of health professionals, which promotes and supports the rehabilitation of torture victims and works for the prevention of torture worldwide. The IRCT, based in Denmark, supports a global network of around 200 rehabilitation centers and programs in every region of the world. "The IRCT is pleased to host the presentation of the 2003 Barbara Chester Award to Dr. Allen Keller," said Dr. Jens Modvig, IRCT Secretary General, who will present the Award. "The Barbara Chester Award plays an important role in recognizing and drawing public attention to those whose lives are committed to working against torture."
Previous Barbara Chester Award recipients were Shari Eppel of Zimbabwe (2000) and Juan Almendares of Honduras (2001). No award was given in 2002.
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