The Clinton County Democratic Party has raised $2,705 through a national medical debt relief initiative, with partner contributions expected to triple the funds available for debt relief. Through the program, the effort could help erase more than $500,000 in medical debt for families in the local community.
“You shouldn’t go into debt for getting sick,” said Bre Brannan, chair of the Clinton County Democratic Party. “Many families in our community are unable to thrive financially because of oppressive medical debt.”
The initiative works with a national nonprofit that purchases qualifying medical debt for a fraction of its face value—an average of $1 for every $100 in debt. Through this approach, the funds raised can have an impact far beyond the original donations, potentially providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in relief to local residents.
According to estimates from the Urban Institute, approximately 1,900 people in Clinton County faced medical debt in 2024. With the continued rise in household expenses, including food, fuel, and health care, the financial burden on local families remains a significant concern.
“We hope our participation in this Medical Debt Relief project can help families stabilize their finances and continue contributing to our community,” Brannan said.
The fundraising effort offers a direct way for community members to help neighbors struggling with medical bills. Through partnerships with organizations specializing in medical debt relief, qualifying debts can be eliminated without requiring affected families to repay the amounts owed.
The initiative also highlights the need for broader solutions to the medical debt crisis. In 2025, Pennsylvania House Bill 79 was introduced with bipartisan support. The legislation proposed statewide requirements for hospital financial assistance policies to make it easier for patients to apply for help. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 187-16, with Representative Stephanie Borowicz voting against it. It was referred to the Republican-controlled Senate Health and Human Services Committee on May 22, 2025, but did not advance.
The Clinton County Democratic Party says that addressing medical debt requires both immediate community action and policies that make health care more affordable. The party supports lowering prescription drug prices, addressing corporate price gouging, and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
Beyond providing financial relief, the national initiative encourages people affected by medical debt to share their experiences to help bring attention to the consequences of America’s health care costs. Community members can share their stories at https://dems.work/tell-my-story.
To learn more about the Clinton County Democratic Party or get involved in its community initiatives, email clintoncountypademocrats@gmail.com.
