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Civic Determinants of Health

We understand that our fight for quality, affordable health care relies on leaders that are willing to stand up for patients and listen to medical experts, not corporate or partisan interests.

The civic determinants of health means making people aware of the direct impact their vote has on their health. It also means organizing year round, not just during election cycles, to educate the public about the work elected officials are doing to help patients access affordable care or the dangerous disinformation leaders are spreading that puts lives at risk. Then, when it comes time to cast their ballot, voters know the leaders invested in their health and the health of their families.

Physicians, as trusted figures in society, are uniquely positioned to promote civic engagement and, consequently, influence the civic determinants of health.

Their involvement can take several forms:

Patient Education: Discussing the health implications of civic participation and encouraging patients to engage in their communities.
Community Leadership: Leading or participating in local initiatives that address social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and transportation.
Advocacy: Pushing for change that facilitates civic participation, like voter registration drives and public forums.

Engaging in these activities serves the dual-purpose of improving health outcomes of the community, and enhances physicians’ understanding of the social and legislative factors affecting their patients’ health.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

10+

physician State Leads participating in local initiatives and civic engagement projects in their communities, and recruiting other physicians to become more civically engaged.

30K+

physicians receive weekly updates on health care news, research, advocacy, and policy reforms—empowering their civic engagement and driving local action.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Educating Neighbors How Their Civic Participation Impacts Their Health

It’s important to educate the public about the ongoing projects to help patients access affordable care, or the dangerous misinformation others are spreading. Each year, physicians volunteer to communicate with their communities about the importance of voting in elections: Federal, State, and Local.