In the early days of our nation's history, the Founding Fathers wrote a constitution and created a system of government with limited powers. The poor would be cared for by charities or religious organizations - groups established as safety nets for those in need.
It is only with the vast expansion of federal and state governments during the last 50 years that we have seen a crowding out of the role of charities - from good works that nonprofits do from housing and feeding the poor to volunteer physicians and nurses who give medical care to the sick.  

As Americans continue to debate the Affordable Care Act and the expansion of Medicaid in the states, policymakers and citizens should remember there is a partner available to help care for Georgia's poor and uninsured: the state's more than 100 charity care clinics.  

Staffed with volunteer physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other health care personnel, these charity clinics help these patients manage chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma and other illnesses so patients don't wind up in emergency rooms and cost taxpayers more money.

These programs are essential to keeping the doors open at our rural facilities. Review the National Rural Health Association's March for Rural Hospitals Action Kit for additional information.

Not sure how to reach your elected officials? Visit NRHA's Grassroots Action Center.