Dr. Cotter is a Roanoke ophthalmologist with a passion for helping the uninsured. As the head cheerleader of Project Access, a program that links eligible uninsured residents to free medical care, he secured commitments from Roanoke Valley physicians to provide charity care for uninsured residents.

Dr. Cotter strived to make Project Access a community-wide effort, involving both local doctors and local health systems. His vision and leadership forged the partnership of Project Access with the Bradley Free Clinic and other providers, creating a comprehensive network of services for those in need.

In addition, Dr. Cotter treats Project Access patients. He performed four eye surgeries for one uninsured patient completely free of charge. That patient can now see again and is back at work.

Thanks to his relentless efforts, Project Access now has 400 primary and specialty care volunteer physicians. In its first six months, it treated 462 patients with services valued at $1 million.

	Volunteer William J. Viglione, DDS Charlottesville Area Dental Access		Employee Pamela Moore-Barr Richmond Area High Blood Pressure Center
	Physician Rhonda B. Algeier, MD Central Virginia Health Services - Charlotte Primary Care		Teamwork Laura B. Huges, Angela D. Rich, Michelle H. Richardson, Kathy M. Wachter and John C. Wilson Northern Neck Free Health Clinic
	Donor Vito J. and Kristi L. Germinario Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc.		Child Health Champion Shelby T. Gonzales Inova Partnership for Healthier Kids

Past Unsung Heroes >>