Mission Yearbook: Indiana church abolishes over $1 million in medical debt for neighbors

Last fall, First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, celebrated its 200th
anniversary (Photos by Rich Copley).

As part of its 200th anniversary celebration, First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, has taken an extraordinary step to serve its neighbors.

With a $10,000 gift from a generous church family, the congregation partnered with Undue Medical Debt to purchase and abolish just over $1.78 million in medical debt for 1,488 individuals across south-central Indiana. 

The impact reaches deep into the community:

• Bartholomew County: $1.03 million relieved for 916 individuals
• Brown County: $237,000 relieved for 225 individuals
• Jackson County: $507,000 relieved for 347 individuals.

“This is about bringing hope and healing in a very practical way,” said the Rev. Dr. Felipe N. Martínez, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. “Our bicentennial is not only a time to look back with gratitude but also to look forward with compassion. We wanted to help ease a burden many families were carrying.”

The initiative was inspired by a family in the congregation who wished to remain anonymous. Other families in the church have added to that initial gift. Their donations were multiplied through Undue Medical Debt’s model, which converts every $1 contributed into an average of $100 in debt relief.

Image

The choir at First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, sings during the church's 200th anniversary celebration last fall 

Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States and often prevents families from seeking further care. Those who qualify for debt relief through Undue Medical Debt typically earn less than four times the federal poverty level or have debts that exceed 5% of their annual income.

Individuals whose debt is being abolished will soon receive letters directly from Undue Medical Debt. These letters are not a scam —they carry the good news that their debt has been fully eliminated and, importantly, that this debt will also be removed from their credit records. Recipients are strongly encouraged to open these letters when they arrive.

First Presbyterian Church has an additional $10,000 in donated funds reserved to abolish more debt when the next purchase becomes available, extending the impact of this future event further.

While this is not a fundraising campaign, church leaders hope their example will inspire other faith communities and nonprofit organizations to consider how they too might stand alongside families struggling with medical debt.

Since being founded in 2014 by two former debt collectors, Undue Medical Debt has acquired — and abolished — more than $20 billion of burdensome medical debt, helping over 7 million families and addressing a major social determinant of health. Undue partners with individuals, faith-based organizations and corporations and empowers donors by converting every dollar contributed into $100 of medical debt relief on average. Learn more here.

Founded in 1824, First Presbyterian Church of Columbus has served the community for two centuries through worship, outreach and social impact. The church continues to embody its mission by fostering compassion, justice and service in Columbus and beyond.

First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

John Kim, Senior Translator, Global Language Resources, Administrative Services Group
Sam Young Kim, Stewardship Officer – Korean, Stewardship and Major Gift Officer, Administrative Services Group         

Let us pray:

Gracious God, help us to continually look for  you in all of Creation and help us always to be a blessing in your sight. Amen.