HOUGHTON — Keweenaw Indivisible, a left-leaning citizen action group, is aiming to eliminate two million dollars in medical debt for U.P. residents through a local fundraising event. The “Stronger Together” event will be hosted at 6 p.m. July 29 at Small Craft in Hancock.

The event includes live music, speakers, a silent auction, local food trucks, drinks, and more. Admission is free, and Keweenaw Indivisible has a suggested donation of $20. All proceeds from the silent auction will go directly to the $15,000 fundraising goal.

“One in five Americans has medical debt in collections, which is also true for U.P. residents,” said event organizer Amanda Schwass. “Raising $15,000 would purchase roughly two million dollars of medical debt, including all of the existing medical debt, including all of the existing medical debt currently in collections in Michigan’s First Congressional District.”

This district includes all of the Upper Peninsula and a significant portion of Lower Michigan. So far, the campaign has received over $4,700 in donations.

“Every $1 donated eliminates up to $145 in medical debt through Undue Medical Debt, which means this fundraising initiative, ‘Stronger Together’, will eliminate the medical debt sent to collections for roughly 1,350 Michigan families.” Schwass explained.

Keweenaw Indivisible has partnered with Undue Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit, to make this relief possible.

“Because we have an active campaign with Undue Medical Debt, they are able to purchase medical debt in collections within the counties we specifically request,” Schwass said. “Any additional funds raised beyond the needs of the First Congressional District will purchase medical debt in other counties in Michigan. There is nothing recipients have to do to apply or become eligible – those helped by this fundraiser will receive a letter in the mail stating their debt has been forgiven.”

Keweenaw Indivisible chose to take on this goal due to the extreme effects medical debt can have on families and individuals. According to Schwass, the burden of medical debt can affect one’s ability to secure housing and get a job. It can also cause chronic stress, poor health outcomes, and lead to an avoidance of future medical care. The debt also affects local hospitals and clinics, as unpaid bills lead to reduced services and care access. Upcoming changes at the federal level could also change how the country handles paying for healthcare.

“Services such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are critical to providing affordable healthcare to members of our community. According to the Joint Economic Committee, based on estimates provided by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation released on May 11, 2025 by House Republicans includes cuts to Medicaid and the ACA that would result in 30,379 Michiganders in the First Congressional District losing their health insurance by 2034.” Schwass said.

Schwass cited multiple studies showing that these changes could lead to over 50,000 preventable deaths annually in America.

“Keweenaw Indivisible is committed to building community and taking tangible action to support our family, friends, and neighbors.” Schwass said of the group. “This initiative will directly benefit our community members in concrete and meaningful ways. We are stronger together, and this fundraising campaign will erase medical debt in collections and restore dignity, peace, and hope to our fellow Michiganders.”

To donate to the ‘Stronger Together’ initiative, visit https://unduemedicaldebt.org/campaign/stronger-together-a-fundraiser-to-wipe-out-medical-debt-in-our-community/