The Stono Freedom Project
New Jersey Families and Workers are Paying the Price for Hospital Secrecy.
Healthcare spending in New Jersey just jumped 6.1%—shattering the state’s own affordability targets. While hospital prices skyrocket, our families and labor unions are left holding the bill. It’s time to pull back the curtain on hidden pricing and demand legislative action.
We believe no one should be priced out of essential care. Through strategic campaigns, policy advocacy, and public education, we’re challenging anti-competitive practices and pushing for reforms that make hospital care more affordable and equitable.We raise awareness, walk alongside individuals, and equip churches, faith communities, and local businesses to educate people and amplify their voice
No judgment. No obligation. Just a path toward freedom and a clean slate.
Take your first step today.
Share a few details and we’ll follow up with next steps—whether you want to host a clinic or learn about clearing your record.
We respect your privacy. Your information is kept confidential and does not create any legal obligation.
Our Story
The Garden State’s Growing Crisis
We aren’t just paying more; we’re being overcharged. The data shows a system that rewards secrecy over care:
For many, the record feels like a life sentence to second-class opportunity. But the law often tells a different story. In South Carolina, expungement can erase certain charges from someone’s record—offering a real second chance at work, housing, education, and dignity.
300% Markup: Some New Jersey hospitals charge over 3x the Medicare rate for the exact same procedures
The Union Squeeze: NJ labor union health plan costs have surged—in some cases by 31% in just two years—forcing workers to pay upwards of $15,000 annually just for coverage.
Inaction in Trenton: Despite "benchmarks" meant to control costs, there is currently no enforcement mechanism to hold hospitals accountable when they gouge patients
Behind Every Bill is a Story
From Bergen to Cape May, New Jerseyans are being forced to choose between medical care and their mortgage. You are not alone.
"I paid $366 for an ultrasound that costs $152 just five miles away. Same machine, different 'facility fee.' This isn't healthcare; it's a racket." — Maria, Essex County
"Our union members are seeing their hard-earned raises swallowed by insurance premiums before they even see their paychecks. We need transparency now." — Labor Leader, Local 102
How We Help
From Awareness to Accountability.
We aren’t just a website; we’re a coalition. Join us in person to organize, advocate, and ensure our voices are heard in the halls of the State House.
1. Attend an Event
Town halls, rallies, and legislative briefings..
2. Contact Your Rep
Use our pre-written template to demand they support Price Transparency Enforcement.
3. Spread the Word
Resources for your union hall or community center.
Focus on Advocacy
When you sign up, you can expect:
- Advocating for affordable, transparent hospital pricing to lower costs for patients and employers.
- Exposing excessive hospital markups and unfair billing practices to drive accountability.
- Supporting policy reforms and legislation to limit excessive hospital rates and prevent surprise medical bills.
- Providing public data, analysis, and resources on hospital pricing and market concentration.
- Working with communities and stakeholders to promote competition, oversight, and equitable access to care.
At our clinics and through our resources, we slow things down and explain expungement in plain language—no legal degree required.
For churches, member orgranizations , and businesses
When you host an transparancy event you:
Busi
Strengthen families by helping caregivers access better jobs and housing.
Show your neighbors that your doors are open to everyone.
Partner with a trusted team for planning, promotion, and on-site support.
What You’ll Learn
Focus on Advocacy
- Advocating for affordable, transparent hospital pricing to lower costs for patients and employers.
- Exposing excessive hospital markups and unfair billing practices to drive accountability.
- Supporting policy reforms and legislation to limit excessive hospital rates and prevent surprise medical bills.
- Providing public data, analysis, and resources on hospital pricing and market concentration.
- Working with communities and stakeholders to promote competition, oversight, and equitable access to care.
You leave with more than information—you leave with a clearer picture of what is possible for your future.
The Fair Pricing Act would:
The Fair Pricing Act establishes fair pricing for routine medical care that can be safely delivered in a doctor’s office or a medical facility that does not require an overnight stay, providing the same procedure at the same price, regardless of setting.
Cap prices for certain routine services at 150% of Medicare’s prices.
* Doctors’ offices already provide these services at 130% of Medicare’s prices, on average.
Ban facility fees on covered services—which are an additional bill on top of the total cost of providing the service.
Testimonials
Hear how expungement makes a real impact in people's lives
Impact & Stories of Change
When a record is cleared, a life opens up.
Names and details are changed, but the impact is real. This is what expungement can make possible.
“I kept getting all the way to the final interview, and then I would get the email: ‘We went with another candidate.’ Once my record was cleared, the next job I applied for called back with an offer. It wasn’t just a paycheck. It was my kids seeing me hopeful again.”
— “James,” clinic participant
“For years I was told, ‘We don’t rent to people with your background.’ After my expungement went through, I was approved for an apartment near my daughter’s school. Now I can walk her to class in the mornings. That still makes me tear up.”
— “Monica,” expungement recipient
“Hosting a clinic taught our congregation that justice work is not abstract. It’s filling a fellowship hall with neighbors, lawyers, volunteers, and prayer—so that people can walk out knowing God has not given up on their future.”
— Pastor of a host church
Your decision to host a clinic or ask for information can be the turning point in someone’s story—including your own.
Get Involved
Two paths. One mission: freedom.
Whether you are carrying a record or opening your doors as a host, you are part of the same story—communities choosing restoration over regret.
For churches & organizations
Hosting a clinic is a powerful way to live out your values of justice, mercy, and hospitality. We walk with you from idea to event day:
- We help you choose dates, times, and space that fit your community.
- We provide sample announcements, flyers, and digital assets.
- We coordinate with legal and community partners for on-site support.
- We debrief with you after the clinic to celebrate impact and plan next steps.
After you submit the form, someone from our team will reach out to schedule a brief conversation, answer questions, and explore dates.
For individuals & families
If you’re carrying a record, you don’t have to walk this alone. Here’s what happens when you reach out:
- You fill out a short, secure form with basic contact information.
- Our team reviews your information and follows up with resources or clinic invitations.
- You get clear guidance on what to do next, at a pace that works for you.
- You stay in control of your choices every step of the way.
There is no cost to sign up for information, and sharing your story with us does not obligate you to take any legal action.
Questions & Answers
Expungement can feel confusing. Let’s clear a few things up.
These answers are general and not legal advice, but they can help you decide if reaching out is right for you.
How much does it cost to participate?
There is no cost to sign up to receive information from the Stono Freedom Project or to attend our awareness events. Some expungement processes in South Carolina may involve court or filing fees. When you connect with us, we will explain potential costs in plain language and, when possible, connect you to resources that may help reduce financial barriers.
What if I’m not sure I’m eligible for expungement?
You do not need to know your eligibility before reaching out—that is part of what we help you explore. Many people are surprised to learn that certain charges can be cleared. Our goal is to help you understand what might be possible before you make any decisions.
Is my information safe and confidential?
We take your privacy seriously. The information you share with the Stono Freedom Project is kept confidential within our team and trusted partners who assist with screenings. We do not share your story publicly without your permission, and reaching out does not become part of any public record.
What happens at an expungement clinic?
While each clinic can look a little different, most include: a warm welcome from volunteers, a brief overview of what expungement is, opportunities for one-on-one conversations or screenings with trained partners, and time for you to ask questions. You will not be forced to make any decisions on the spot.
How long does the process usually take?
The timeline can vary based on your specific situation, the court’s schedule, and how quickly paperwork is gathered. Some expungements can be processed in a matter of weeks or a few months; more complex situations may take longer. When you speak with our partners, they can give you a better sense of possible timing for your case.
Ready for a new chapter?
Whether you want to host an expungement clinic or learn if expungement could help you or someone you love, the next step is simple: reach out. We will follow up with clear information and zero pressure.
You deserve to know what’s possible. Your community deserves the chance to be part of that freedom.
Stono Freedom Project
An initiative of Stono to advance real freedom in the Lowcountry by helping individuals, families, and communities unlock the power of expungement.
We are committed to dignity, second chances, and justice that looks like opportunity.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (843) 555-0176
General inquiries: Use the form above and our team will respond as soon as possible.
Social: @StonoPA on major platforms
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