Estelle Avner, long-time executive director of Roanoke’s Bradley Free Clinic, has announced her intention to retire.
Avner joined the brand new Free Clinic of Roanoke Valley as a volunteer in October 1974. She was named its first executive director the following April and has held the position for 40 years.
The Bradley Free Clinic provides the valley’s working uninsured with medical, dental, and pharmacy services valued at more than $4 million per year. Physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists at the clinic all volunteer their time and services. Most of the medications dispensed or prescribed are donated by pharmaceutical companies.
Avner was the clinic’s sole employee at its founding. Today there are 10 full-time staffers plus a part-time pharmacist, accountant and dental coordinator. The annual budget is about $1 million.
Under Avner’s leadership, the Bradley Free Clinic became a model for free clinics all over the country. She has helped launch multiple other clinics, including those in Chicago, Spartanburg, S.C., and Kennebunkport, Maine. The clinic’s handbook for establishing free clinics remains the industry standard.
Avner is known for her devotion to the clinic’s patients and for having nurtured an upbeat, welcoming atmoshpere. “I love the concept of this being a gathering place,” she said, “a place one wants to go to to do something for other people. The Bradley Free Clinic is a win-win for the community.”
The precise date of Avner’s departure has not been set, as she is staying on to break in her successor. The new executive director is Janine Underwood. She comes to the clinic after 17 years as executive director of the Virginia Tennis Association.
The clinic began life in a former dwelling at Franklin Road and Highland Avenue Southwest. The building was donated by its owner, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and has since been demolished. Beds and other equipment were donated by Lewis-Gale Hospital. Curtains to partition examination areas were stitched together by volunteers. The physicians provided their own stethoscopes and other diagnostic tools. Dental care was added as a service in 1976.
The clinic moved into its present quarters at 1240 Third Street, SW in 1990 after the completion of a successful capital campaign. The clinic was dedicated in April of that year by former first lady, Barbara Bush.
The clinic is supported by grants, donations, and local and state governmental funding. It accepts no federal funds.
Randall R. Rhea, M.D., is president of the clinic’s board. Dr. Kevin C. Kelleher is the clinic’s medical director.
For more information go to www.bradleyfreeclinic.com