United Church of Christ pays over $3.9M in medical debt for families in Arkansas, Tennessee

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The United Church of Christ has paid over $3.9 million in medical debt for families across Tennessee and Arkansas.

According to a release from UCC, the payments helped 2,950 families.

Families received letters telling them their medical debt has been forgiven.

The payments helped families in 43 counties in Arkansas and 58 counties in Tennessee, the release said.

Contributions totaling $30,000 came from 19 Missouri congregations, one in Tennessee, and a national UCC ministry, United Church Funds. 

The donors are listed here.

Rev. Mary Nelson, transitional Conference minister, said during a news conference that the debt payments liberated families from ‘guilt and shame,’ and also the weight of a credit report that keeps them from accessing better housing.

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