LANSING – Democrats in Ingham and Jackson counties announced today that they are joining a national effort to directly confront the high cost of healthcare in America.
You shouldn’t go into debt for getting sick. But in places like Ingham and Jackson counties, that outcome is far too familiar. The national campaign of Democratic County parties, Dems Work, will share stories and raise money to relieve medical debt for families in need in Michigan and across the country
“We know many in our community suffer from medical debt,” said Amador Ybarra, chairperson of the Jackson County Democratic Party. “This shouldn’t be happening here or anywhere else, and we hope to take a step in the right direction to end this by raising money which can cancel some debt of our fellow Michiganders.”
Added Brian Jackson, chairperson of the Ingham County Democratic Party: “When you work collectively and bring these small donations together, we can leverage those dollars to forgive thousands of dollars in the marketplace. For each dollar raised, we believe that we will be able cancel at least $100 in debt of a fellow Michigander.”
The project will buy qualifying medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar from such providers as hospitals, doctors’ groups and collection agencies.
To make a donation, please visit either county party website at:
Ingham County Democrats – www.inghamcountydemocraticparty.net/medicaldebt
Jackson County Democrats –https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jacksoncountydemocraticcommitteemidemswork
The Ingham and Jackson Democratic parties are also asking residents to submit short videos on how medical debt or the high cost of healthcare has impacted them or someone they love. They believe that the more people share their story, the harder it will become to ignore what medical debt is doing to families across the country. Share your story: https://dems.work/tell-my-story
“We need folks to share their experiences to help drive change. Stories of how this is affecting real people in Michigan will help,” Jackson said. “Community members can share their story in just a few minutes. “
MARK ANDERSON