Summary

Problem Statement

In the US, medical debt is a silent burden that affects millions, holding people back from financial stability and peace of mind.


Proposed Solution

Shred the Debt is a powerful, action-oriented initiative designed to raise funds, purchase outstanding medical debt, and eliminate it entirely.

Through a strategic partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit organization that specializes in purchasing medical debt from collections for pennies on the dollar, Global Shapers hubs across the United States can directly forgive medical debt in their communities—creating outsized impact at a fraction of the original cost.

This model turns collective action into tangible relief, transforming fundraising efforts into real financial freedom for those most affected.


Activities

Beyond relieving immediate financial stress, Shred the Debt empowers communities to take collective action and reclaim the futures of those impacted by medical debt.

Hubs across the United States are: Organizing local fundraisers to eliminate debt in their own communities, Contributing to a nationwide campaign that launches in March 2025, Using a shared framework that any hub can adopt and adapt


Impact Metrics

US Nationwide Campaign: Ongoing –raised to eliminate $800,000 in medical debt through our campaign’s 1:100 donation amplifier

Greater Sacramento Region Campaign: raised to eliminate $1,390,000

Greater Chicago Region Campaign: Ongoing — raised to eliminate $321,100

Miami Campaign: Ongoing – raised to eliminate $600,000

Texas Campaign: Ongoing — raised to eliminate$6,090

Charlotte, NC Campaign: Ongoing — raised to eliminate $30,580


Hubs Involved


Collaborators

Undue Medical Debt


Learn More:

Locations
USA
Project Lifetime
2024
https://www.shredthedebt.org/