Kathey Avery, BSN

Biography

Kathey Avery was born in Bat Cave N.C. at Valley Clinic and Hospital in 1953. She graduated from Western Carolina University 1983 with a BS degree in Nursing. She worked at Mission Hospital System for over 30 years where she specialized for over 20 years in oncology nursing and several years in Neurology. She was also instrumental in helping form their first Diversity Committee in 1995 and served on the committee until 2011. She was given the prestigious Martin Luther King Award by the hospital in 2011. She was recognized by UNCA and Buncombe County HHS in 2106 with one of the Unsung Heroes awards, which celebrates resiliency and how these heroes have committed their life’s work to shouldering movements by lifting up ideals, giving wisdom and guidance to their communities. Kathey received in January of 2017 the Lillian Carter Award for Exemplary Nursing from Modern Healthcare magazine. The publication presents the awards in partnership with the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility at the Emory University School of Nursing. Kathey was awarded the Carol McLimans Trailblazer award in 2021 by the Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging for her pioneering work in healthcare services, education and advocacy and her education to racial equity. Kathey is this year been selected by the MLK Association in Asheville to receive a 2022 Rosa Parks Award. This is a new award, and it honors women who have:

• Fostered a culture of inclusion in the Asheville community.

• Worked to achieve a just society for the disadvantaged.

• Exemplified a nonviolent philosophy in pursuit of a better life for non-majority people.

• Inspired direct action in the cause of social justice.

Kathey, worked with, and co-chaired for several years with Building Bridges. One of the founders the late Dr. Charles Blair also started the non-profit ABIPA in 2004. From 2008 until 2019 she was their contracted nurse, as the Director of Clinical and Community Connections. Since founding IFPHA (Institute for Preventive Healthcare and Advocacy) in May of 2020 she is now the CEO. Avery is also the sole Proprietor of Avery Health Education and Consulting LLC since December 2019. She volunteers and is on many committees that work to improve the health of our community, Dementia Friendly of WNC, WNC Healthcare Advocacy Coalition, the Racial Justice Coalition, HOAP (Housing Options for Aging in Place), WNC Cancer Consortium and more recently the Health Equity Coalition and board member for Impact Health with Dogwood Health Trust. She is also on the Board of PEAK Academy. Kathey also retired from Four Seasons Hospice in Flat Rock N.C. providing care, and support for patients and families facing end of life.