Voting is critical to the pursuit of health equity

Individual Author(s) / Organizational Author
Ayers, Jeanne
Mahs, Gnora
Iton, Anthony
Publisher
Health Affairs
Date
August 2024
Publication
Health Affairs Forefront
Abstract / Description

Voting is now recognized as a public health priority. In June 2023, voter participation was named as a ‘core objective’ in the nation's health goals, Healthy People 2030. Core objectives reflect high-priority public health issues that are associated with evidence-based interventions. In explaining its decision, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) said: “Voting offers a chance for people to contribute to decisions that can affect their communities and directly or indirectly impact their health and well-being.” In parallel, the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) released statements supporting the importance of voting. In its statement, the APHA said, “Progress on health disparities will be limited if public health neglects to fully address the political determinants of health, including civic and voter participation.” The AMA added, “Gerrymandering which disenfranchises individuals [and] communities… negatively impacts health outcomes.” (author introduction) #P4HEwebinarNovember2024

 

Artifact Type
Application
Reference Type
Journal Article
Geographic Focus
National
Topic Area
Policy and Practice