spirit in an age when we must move ahead to build a better future for our peoples." The building was designed in a modernist style. Constructed in 1965, the exterior features 29 round bronze seals of the founding nations of the Pan American Health Organization, designed by American sculptor Michael Lantz. In 1993 the seals were surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program and were described as needing conservation treatment. Constructed of reinforced concrete over a steel frame with an exterior of glass and marble, the building is one of Washington's most recognized examples of midcentury modern architecture.[citation needed] The building is divided into two distinct volumes: a gracefully curved ten-story building that hosts the organization's main offices, and an adjoining four-story cylindrical annex that serves as the congress hall for formal assemblies of the PAHO member state delegates, as well as other meetings and events. It is surrounded by George Washington University to the north and east, the Columbia Plaza office/residential complex to the west, and the State Department to the south across the E street expressway underpass. List of directors-general Source: Official website Public Health Heroes of the Americas PAHO recognizes individuals as "Public Health Heroes" to honour noteworthy contributions to public health in the Americas. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary in 2002, PAHO named 12 individuals to the list. The award is considered PAHO's highest honour. List of honourees, by year 2018 - Dr. Tabaré Vázquez, Uruguay 2018 - Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, Bahamas 2015 - Dr. María Isabel Rodríguez, El Salvador 2014 - Dr. Ciro de Quadros, Brazil 2012 - Dr. David Tejada de Rivero, Peru 2002 - Dr. José Jordán, Cuba 2002 - Dr. Zilda Arns Neumann, Brazil 2002 - Dr. Carlos Canseco González, Mexico 2002 - Dr. Jacinto Convit, Venezuela 2002 - Dr. Myrna Cunningham, Nicaragua 2002 - Dr. José Roberto Ferreira, Brazil 2002 - Hon. Marc Lalonde, Canada 2002 - Dr. Donald A. Henderson, USA 2002 - Dr. Edgar Mohs, Costa Rica 2002 - Dr. Elsa Moreno, Argentina 2002 - Dr. Ruth Puffer, USA 2002 - Sir Kenneth Standard, Barbados See also Guatemala syphilis experiment Pan American Journal of Public Health Vaccination Week In The Americas References External links PAHO website International organizations based in the Americas International medical and health organizations Organization of American States World Health Organization Intergovernmental organizations established by treaty