Dear friends,
With the election right around the corner, let’s talk about why your vote is incredibly important, especially for your health and well-being.
This election isn’t just about political preferences or economic policies. It’s about protecting your right to health care and ensuring that crucial protections and services stay intact.
Health care policies are far more than just headlines. They touch our lives in deeply personal ways. Think about how having coverage for a pre-existing condition like asthma, or being able to afford essential medication for diabetes, aren’t just a matter of policy. They are a matter of life and health. Without strong health care policies, people with chronic conditions might face prohibitive costs or be denied coverage altogether. This affects individuals, as well as entire families and communities.
Consider the positive changes we’ve experienced, like laws allowing college students to stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26. This wasn’t always the case, and it’s made a huge difference for students navigating their health, while starting their careers.
Similarly, women’s health is a crucial area where policy plays a significant role. The right to make informed choices about reproductive health is fundamental to personal well-being and autonomy. Ensuring these rights are protected means individuals can make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.
But your vote influences more than just health care policies. It shapes public health on a broader scale. From employment and housing to education and the environment, the policies created by the leaders we elect affect our overall quality of life. Evidence shows that inclusive policies lead to better health outcomes, while restrictive laws can have negative effects.
For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, areas with limited access to health resources saw higher mortality rates. Your vote helps determine the kind of policies that will impact the health of our communities.
And if you’re worried about voting in person, here are some practical options to keep in mind:
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Vote by Mail: Avoid crowds and long lines by choosing to vote by mail. It’s a safe and convenient option.
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Request an Absentee Ballot: If you or your family might have trouble with waiting in line or braving cold weather, request an absentee ballot ahead of time.
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Be a Poll Worker: If you decide to work at the polls, wearing a mask can help protect you and others from exposure.
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Get Vaccinated: Schedule your appointment for the new Covid-19 vaccine, available now, to help minimize your risk of infection.
As you prepare to vote, think about how each candidate’s policies will affect your health and that of your loved ones. This election isn’t just about political preferences or economic policies. It’s about protecting your right to health care and ensuring that crucial protections and services stay intact.
So before you cast your ballot, ask yourself: Do the candidates support affordable medications? Are they committed to maintaining coverage for chronic conditions? Do they advocate for accessible reproductive health services? How will their policies impact your health and well-being?
Every vote counts, and every policy decision has real-life consequences. From my experience as a physician and patient advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how these policies impact us all. Access to health care should be a right for everyone. So as you head to the polls, remember that your choices shape the health of your family and community.
Your vote is more than just a mark on a ballot. It’s a step toward a healthier future for us all.
With your health in mind,
