As local elected officials scramble to address threats to the social safety net posed by the federal government shutdown, the Orange County government had at least one piece of positive news to share this week.
Through a partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, Orange County announced this week it has managed to relieve a total $515 million in medical debt held by more than 300,000 residents. The county announced an initial round of $472.5 million in debt relief back in May, and the second round of $42.9 million in relief was announced Tuesday.
“Medical debt is more than a financial burden, it is an emotional weight,” said Sheila Santiago, a local resident who received $7,000 in debt…