COLUMBIA, MO – The St. Louis, Kansas City, and Mid-Missouri chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have launched a campaign to erase millions of dollars in medical debt for working people across the Midwest—and the community is already stepping up in a big way. In just the first 24 hours, the campaign has raised over $1,600, enough to wipe out more than $160,000 in medical debt for families in need.
Medical debt is a crisis affecting millions, forcing families to choose between paying medical bills or covering basic needs like rent and groceries. Across the country, more than 20 million people are burdened with $220 billion in medical debt, with Missouri families among the hardest hit.
“Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” said McKenzie Ortiz, Communications Director of Mid-Missouri DSA. “No one should have to skip the care they need because they can’t afford it. We’re taking action to bring real relief to families in our community.”
Through this campaign, DSA chapters will raise funds to purchase and erase medical debt at a fraction of its cost—on average, a $1 donation eliminates $100 in medical debt. The goal is to erase more than $3.5 million in medical debt for working families in Missouri and beyond.
How to Get Involved
Mid-Missouri DSA will be organizing fundraisers and community outreach events in the coming months.
Anyone who wants to support the effort can:
Donate to the campaign at https://unduemedicaldebt.org/campaign/midwest-socialist-fundinomenon/
Join the effort by emailing midmodsa@gmail.com
This initiative is part of DSA’s broader fight for Medicare for All, ensuring that no one in Missouri—or anywhere—has to go into debt just to get the healthcare they need.