Did you know that a large number of patients who just need a prescription refilled or have a sinus infection go to the ER? An article published by CBN explained how many patients often fill up ERs for primary care, not the emergency care it’s designed for. This leads to the huge wait times and stress we all associate with ERs.

But many people don’t have access to a primary care doctor (general practitioner), so turn to the ER when they can’t think of anywhere else to do, CBN continued. One physician, Dr. Alan Lindemann, of North Dakota described this situation as “a real problem, and it’s getting to be a bigger problem all the time.”

What can be done to solve this growing problem?

Going right to the source of the problem is the way Sentara Health Care is helping with overwhelmed ERs, CBN continued. Primary care physician Dr. Michael Charles, EMD of Sentara, has started traveling to various clinics throughout his region in Virginia.

One of those clinics is inside The Union Mission Ministries, a Christian homeless shelter. Over the course of just five months since the clinic started serving patients, non-emergency ER visits have dropped by 80%.

Christian involvement in the community

You don’t have to be a doctor to help underserved communities. By simply speaking with your vote, you can help Christians help America.  Tell your lawmakers that you want greater support for Christian outreach today by signing up for www.Change. MillionVoices.org today (text MV to 80550). We’ll ensure that your voice is always heard.