"I couldn't walk hardly. I couldn't see. I couldn't even stand up to sweep my own floor."

A diabetic emergency left Reggie Long with serious impairments. He feared he wouldn't survive.

But a year and a half later, his continuing recovery provided a powerful example as the Bradley Free Clinic announced it is expanding services.

"Angels come with wings. They also come with two doors, with Bradley Free Clinic in front of it," Long said Friday morning. "I can't thank them enough."

For 45 years, the organization has served the needs of the uninsured and under-insured with volunteer-staffed clinics two nights and one morning a week.

Now, thanks to funding from the Virginia Health Foundation, a nurse practitioner will also see patients Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. And for the first time the clinic will see those who are Medicaid-eligible.

Janine Underwood is the Bradley Free Clinic's Executive Director.

"This is a new chapter in the free clinic," she told us. "Seeing patients during the day, during the week, expanding our services."

Dr. Randall Rhea is Board President.

"Patients calling with urgent health care needs, acute illnesses, will suddenly be able to call the Bradley Free Clinic and be seen that day in their own clinic, their own medical home which is the best place," he said.

Anyone who wonders if they might benefit from the expanded hours and services, can call or drop by the Bradley Free Clinic for more information.

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The Bradley Free Clinic is expanding, with the goal of reaching more people who need medical care in the Roanoke Valley.

Friday, the free clinic announced it has added a nurse practitioner, who will see patients Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

That will also allow the clinic to see Medicaid-eligible patients for the first time.

"The need is great. There are so many individuals in the community that are enrolled in Medicaid and unable to see providers. Or the uninsured. There is still a huge population of uninsured in the community." said Janine Underwood, Bradley Free Clinic Executive Director:

Anyone who thinks they might benefit from the expanded services, can call (540) 344-5156 or drop by the Bradley Free Clinic for more information.

Bradley Free Clinic

1240 3rd St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016