Campus Pride is honored to receive a $5,000 gift from Kaiser Permanente in honor of David Lawrence Community Service Award recipient Dr. Ron Holt.

Holt, who practices a full time clinical psychiatry at Permanente Medical Group's Kaiser South San Francisco Medical Center, received the award on Oct. 21, 2010. The David Lawrence Community Service Award "recognizes individuals and groups throughout Kaiser Permanente who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to improve the health of our communities."

As part of the award, Holt was able to choose non-profit beneficiaries for a $10,000 contribution from Kaiser Permanente. Campus Pride was one of his chosen beneficiaries.

In addition to his medical practice, Holt is a distinguished speaker on issues of sexuality and LGBT inclusion in medical and healthcare matters. He has spoken to dozens of colleges and universities and medical associations, including several Kaiser Permenente conferences.

Holt writes of his community service:

All of my efforts, including preparation, time away from work, and transportation costs, have been paid for by me as a community service. My inspiration to educate, and be a role model for GLBT youth, is because there was no one available in this capacity when I was a student. Increased awareness about the biology and psychology of human sexuality leads to a better understanding of the GBLT population. It is my firm belief that education about sexuality can lead to better emotional and physical health. It is immensely rewarding to receive follow up contact from people informing me my efforts have made a difference. This keeps my passion alive and provides the energy to continue with these volunteer efforts.

Learn more about Holt and his community service work at www.audacityofpride.com.

Campus Pride sends Dr. Holt and Kaiser Permanente their utmost thanks and gratitude!