Community Unites to Erase Medical Debt in Winston-Salem
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — At Trinity Moravian Church, a group of diverse members came together recently to celebrate a significant achievement: the cancellation of over $2 million in medical debt for local residents.
The Rev. John Jackman, who leads the 114-year-old church, described the congregation as a blend of political views, from conservative to liberal. Despite these differences, Jackman noted that when he proposed a mission to alleviate medical debt four years ago, everyone rallied behind the idea. “This is the easiest money I’ve ever raised,” he said, explaining that the community quickly opened their wallets to support the cause.
A Shared Sense of Fairness
Medical debt has become a national concern, igniting heated discussions across political lines. However, members of Trinity Moravian were unified in their belief that the burden of medical debt was unjust. Many contributed small donations, directly allowing the church to buy and retire these debts through a project called the Debt Jubilee Project. Their efforts have inspired similar initiatives across the state and have even caught the attention of local government.
“We’re all just one medical bill from financial ruin,” said Catherine Coe, an accounting professional and church member facing these challenges firsthand. The church’s eighth debt campaign raised over $17,000, translating to $2.2 million in debt relief.
Personal Stories of Struggle
At Trinity Moravian, personal stories echoed the impacts of medical debt. Coe shared, “I see people going into debt every minute of every day.” Longtime member Terri Mabe echoed this sentiment, relating her own experiences in the construction industry where illness could quickly lead to overwhelming debt.
Both Mabe and Coe expressed that the political divides matter less when it comes to the realities of healthcare costs. “There isn’t a political divide when it comes to medical debt,” Coe noted.
Addressing the Debt Crisis
Jackman got the idea for the church’s initiative during the pandemic, as many members sought financial assistance. Learning about a nonprofit organization that specializes in purchasing unpaid medical bills ignited the campaign. The church aimed to start small, raising $5,000 to address close to half a million in local debt. They surpassed that goal swiftly, primarily with small donations.
Amid the celebrations, Paul Sluder, a church member and former debt collector, remarked on the unfairness of a system that places sick individuals in financial distress. “It’s incredibly unfair,” he said.
A Joyous Celebration
The recent debt cancellation was marked by a ceremonial event where Jackman burned a list of names representing those whose debts were erased, symbolizing their fresh start. As confetti filled the air and the community celebrated, the Rev. Jackman declared, “On this day of Jubilee, we act to forgive the debts of many of our neighbors.”
Following the ceremony, the congregation enjoyed a communal lunch, highlighting the spirit of unity that permeates their efforts. “If we start considering other people and not just ourselves, things will change,” remarked Cynthia Tesh, stressing the importance of looking out for one another.
With a shared commitment to addressing the healthcare debt crisis, Trinity Moravian Church stands as an inspiring example of community action transcending political divisions.
