WHEREAS, Estelle Avner, the longtime director of the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke and a compassionate servant to members of the community in need, retired in July 2015; and

WHEREAS, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Estelle Avner honed her leadership skills working at a nursery school prior to joining the Bradley Free Clinic in 1974; and

WHEREAS, during Estelle Avner's distinguished tenure as director, the Bradley Free Clinic provided more than $65 million in medical, dental, and pharmacy services to the working poor in the region; the clinic serves patients with an income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and

WHEREAS, Estelle Avner helped make the Bradley Free Clinic a valued institution in Roanoke, and its successful model has been emulated across the country; the clinic is open Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and Friday mornings and treats an average of 40 patients each day; and

WHEREAS, Estelle Avner's enthusiasm for service has inspired countless other residents of the Roanoke region, including dozens of physicians and dentists, to volunteer their time and expertise; the clinic also works with local hospitals, universities, and companies to provide free medical testing and medicine; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her exceptional achievements, Estelle Avner was named the 2015 Virginian of the Year by the Virginia Press Association and received the award at a special ceremony in April 2015; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Estelle Avner hereby be commended for her contributions to the Commonwealth on the occasion of her retirement as director of the Bradley Free Clinic; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Estelle Avner as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her dedication to the health and wellness of the residents of the Roanoke region.