On March 24, 1964 a group of concerned medical professionals and community leaders met with the purpose of creating a non-profit, tax-exempt medical foundation to facilitate continuing medical education. On April 15, 1964, the Lewis-Gale Foundation was officially incorporated.

The founding members of the Lewis-Gale Foundation were:
Richard H. Fisher, M.D.
Warren L. Moorman, M.D.
Richard M. Newton, M.D.
F. Alton Wade, M.D.
David G. Williamson, Jr.

The objectives set forth for the foundation became clear, and the board proposed a main purpose: "To encourage, support and promote medical progress in the Roanoke Valley." Three specific courses of action were implemented to reach that goal:

1. Encourage and facilitate continuing education by allowing medical professionals a convenient place to keep abreast of advancements in their respective fields.


2. "Needy and Worthy" students interested in pursuing careers in health care could receive financial assistance through scholarships.


3. To collect and display "items of medical historical interest" in an effort to preserve medical history.

In 1981 a new building at the Lewis-Gale Hospital Complex became the new home of the foundation, after widespread community interest and support.

In 2004, The Foundation officially became totally independent of Lewis-Gale Hospital and changed its name to Health Focus of Southwest Virginia in an effort to expand services to a wider community.