To the editor:
In 1972-73, Andy Rogers and a group of Brown County citizens saw a need for a second medical doctor for Brown County. They (Andy Rogers, Rupert Miller, Dorothea Cline, Dorothy Smith and Fred Lorenz) along with a few others formed a not-for-profit organization called the Brown County Health Center for the purpose of applying for a National Health Service doctor. There were several requirements and you had to prove you were prepared to support that doctor when he or she arrived.
Andy volunteered to become the treasurer of that organization. The first health clinic was located in Andy’s building. The second doctor to serve Brown County was Dr. Tim Alward. After two years, Dr. Alward chose to take the clinic and his practice private. He made his medical career here and just recently retired.
When the clinic opened in 1974, it was unique in that people could pay their bills on a sliding scale according to their means, giving a much broader coverage to all citizens of Brown County.
Andy Rogers remained treasurer and supporter of this countywide effort to improve the health of the citizens of Brown County for 45 years, only leaving the board of directors recently. Andy’s support was key to the success of the Brown County Health Center. He gave of his time, finances and talent for management. He will be missed by all of us.
William S. “Bill” Miller, president, Brown County Health Center board of directors
