Democracy makes our communities more inclusive and healthier. Our votes affect health policy, clean air, housing, transit and funding for hospitals. Voting also helps people secure a seat at the table and feel more included within their communities.
When we’re healthier, we’re more likely to vote. And communities that vote experience better health.
Our new analysis compares 12 health indicators to how accessible voting is in each of the 50 states. States with more inclusive voting policies and greater levels of civic participation are healthier. Explore the Index. →
November 14, 2023: Healthy Democracy Healthy People submitted a public comment in response to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's "Solicitation of Written Comments on Healthy People 2030 Objectives" urging ODPHP to provide evidence-based resources to increase voter participation. You can read the HDHP comment here.
October, 2023: Healthy Democracy Healthy People partnered with Vitalyst Health Foundation to publish a SPARK Report "Strengthening Civic Health in Arizona: The Intersection of Civic Engagement and Health." You can read the report here.
August, 2023: Join Healthy Democracy Healthy People, APHA, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, NPHL, Vot-ER, and the Roundtable on Population Health Improvement for two Civic Health Month Virtual Sessions that will explore effective ways public health agencies and leaders are promoting a healthier inclusive democracy and a historical and political context for American democracy and voting policy.
June 20, 2023: Jeanne Ayers, executive director of Healthy Democracy Healthy People, and Aliya Bhatia, executive director of Vot-ER, joined hosts, Ericka Burroughs-Girardi and Beth Silver, for @County Health Rankings and Roadmaps’ new podcast, In Solidarity, for a conversation on the connections between civic health and thriving people and places. Listen to all four episodes.