The Sioux County Democrats are raising money to help eliminate medical debt for Iowa families, with the local effort already exceeding its initial fundraising goal.
Party chair Anita Cirulis says the campaign had collected approximately $650 at the time of the interview, and she hopes to reach $1,000 before the effort concludes.
“We were given a goal of five hundred dollars, and we have already exceeded that,” Cirulis says. “I think we’re up to $650 right now.”
Turning Donations Into Debt Relief
The effort is part of Dems Work, a community service initiative of Contest Every Race. Cirulis says that the organization provides funding and support to local Democratic parties, particularly in rural communities. Participating in the medical debt relief campaign was optional.
“And the idea behind that is to have Democrats get involved in doing things of service to their communities,” Cirulis says.
According to the campaign’s announcement, donations can often eliminate approximately $100 in medical debt for every dollar contributed. At that rate, reaching Cirulis’ $1,000 fundraising target could potentially erase $100,000 in debt.
Contest Every Race donors are also matching contributions, increasing the funding available for relief. Money raised by participating Iowa county parties will benefit people in Iowa.
Cirulis says a separate organization specializing in medical debt relief will handle the process and select recipients. She did not have the organization’s name available during the interview.
Assistance Based on Financial Need
Cirulis says political affiliation has no bearing on who receives assistance.
“And neither the Sioux County Democrats nor Contest Every Race are involved in the selection process,” Cirulis says.
There is no application process, according to Cirulis. Instead, she says the organization administering the relief considers financial circumstances, including income and the amount of medical debt.
The local campaign’s advertised donation deadline is Wednesday, September 30th. Cirulis says she selected that date as a buffer ahead of the broader effort’s October 1st conclusion and believes donations may still be accepted that Thursday.
People can find a donation link on the Sioux County Democrats’ Facebook page or contribute at tinyurl.com/SiouxDemsMedicalDebtRelief.
The initiative is also inviting people to share how medical debt or difficulty affording health care has affected them or their families. Information about sharing those experiences is available at dems.work.
