Amid Healthcare Debate, this Christian Ministry has been Effective in Giving the Uninsured Quality Care for over 25 Years

Aimee Herd : Sep 16, 2009
Emily Belz – World Magazine, CBN.com

"…Here, they are receiving what you'd get at a private practice. The doctors treat people with love and respect, and as having dignity [since] they're created in the image of God."

When does providing the uninsured with the compassionate and effective healthcare they need, NOT add to the federal deficit, nor raise taxes?

…When it is done by a Christian ministry, all in the name of the Lord.

While Congress, the Whitehouse, and the American people wrestle with the subject of healthcare reform, and a possible "government-run" system, CrossOver Ministry, a clinic in Richmond, Virginia, has quietly been providing just what the uninsured in their area need: free, quality care.

CrossOver's mission statement reads: "We are called to provide health care, promote wellness, and connect community talents and resources with people in need in the name of Jesus Christ," and they've been doing just that for more than 25 years.

The clinic began back in 1983, at Word of Life Church at 106 E. Broad Street, with reportedly "little more than a bed sheet, black examination table and a light bulb."

Now, the ministry has grown to include three clinic locations throughout the Richmond area, all with the same mission statement and modus operandi.

CrossOver, a 501-c (3) non-profit, provides family medicine, primary care, obstetrics and pediatrics, podiatry, dental and vision care, mental health care, HIV diagnosis and treatment, and critical medications, to approximately 3,000 individuals per year, according to a statement on their website.

Volunteers, accepted after an application process, provide 50 percent of all CrossOver's patient care. In addition, people can partner with the healthcare outreach ministry through donations.

After researching and reporting on CrossOver Ministry for CBN's World Magazine, Emily Belz noted, "It's wonderful to see people come to a place where they receive top care. There are a lot of free clinics in this country where you come and it's a 'warehouse of sick people.' Here, they are receiving what you'd get at a private practice. The doctors treat people with love and respect, and as having dignity [since] they're created in the image of God."

To watch the CBN News video report on CrossOver Ministry, follow the source link provided.