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Welcome to this week’s edition of the Public Health Navigator. As the nation prepares for another pivotal election season, public health issues are at the forefront of voters' minds. This month, we're delving into some of the most pressing public health topics that are central to the upcoming election, exploring why these issues matter and how they could shape the future of public health in the United States. Whether you're a policy expert, public health official, or concerned citizen, understanding these key issues will help you navigate the complex intersection of politics and health.
Why Public Health is on the Ballet
Public health issues are more than just talking points—they are policies and decisions that shape our everyday lives. From the quality of the healthcare we receive to the affordability of medications and access to reproductive services, these issues directly impact the health and safety of our communities. Staying informed about where each candidate stands on these topics is critical for making educated voting decisions.
As we approach the upcoming election, it’s important to recognize how public health issues are front and center in shaping policies that impact communities nationwide. From healthcare access to the cost of prescription drugs, public health is a key focus for many candidates and voters alike. Understanding where these issues stand can help inform decisions that affect the health and well-being of our communities.
Key Public Health Issues in the Upcoming Election
Healthcare Access and Affordability
Healthcare remains a major concern for Americans, with rising costs and disparities in access impacting millions. Policies surrounding healthcare access and affordability directly influence who can receive quality care and how that care is provided. This election will determine whether initiatives are expanded to make healthcare more accessible or if new changes will alter the landscape. Another major issue at stake is the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The ACA has faced numerous challenges and attempts at repeal since it was first implemented, but with a new conservative majority on the Supreme Court, its fate may very well be decided by this election. For many Americans, this could mean losing access to essential health services or facing higher insurance costs.
Prescription Drug Costs
The cost of prescription drugs has been a hot topic in recent years, with many Americans struggling to afford necessary medications. Both candidates agree that Americans are paying too much for prescription drug costs, and both have proposed various solutions, including allowing government negotiation of drug prices and implementing price caps. Understanding where candidates stand on this issue is crucial for those who rely on prescription medication.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid are lifelines for vulnerable populations, including seniors and low-income families. As discussions around expanding or restructuring these programs continue, it’s crucial to understand how proposed changes might affect coverage, benefits, and overall access to essential healthcare services. As voters head to the polls, they should consider how their choices may impact not only their own access to healthcare but also that of their fellow citizens. With millions relying on government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, any changes made can have far-reaching consequences.
Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights have been a prominent and contentious issue, especially since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with significant implications for women’s health and autonomy. Policies around reproductive healthcare access—such as contraception, abortion, and IVF (in vitro fertilization)—will play a crucial role in shaping public health outcomes for generations. Because candidates’ positions on these issues vary widely, it’s important for voters to be informed about where they stand. The outcome of the election could significantly impact women’s healthcare coverage and access in several ways, including:
Strengthening or restricting Medicaid funding
Increasing or reducing Title X funding for family planning and preventive services
Limiting emergency abortion care in certain states
Reducing access to contraception
Worsening maternal mortality disparities among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women
Understanding these stakes is essential for making informed choices that impact women’s health nationwide.
Migrant Health
The health of migrant and refugee populations is increasingly becoming a national conversation, especially as public health leaders look to address disparities in healthcare access, mental health support, and disease prevention. Election outcomes may affect how healthcare services are provided to migrant communities and the resources allocated to support them. Additionally, changes in immigration policies and border security can also impact the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. As our country continues to grapple with issues of migration and refugee resettlement, it is vital that we prioritize the health needs of these communities. This includes providing access to necessary medical care and mental health support for trauma survivors and addressing any underlying social determinants of health that may contribute to poor health outcomes among migrant populations.
Pandemic Response
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in the nation’s preparedness and response capabilities. How candidates plan to address future pandemics, invest in public health infrastructure, and support workforce development for health professionals will be essential considerations for voters as we move toward long-term recovery and future resilience. Voters should carefully consider each candidate's stance on pandemic response when making their decision at the polls.
What’s at Stake?
The upcoming election will have significant implications for the future of public health in the United States. From the structure of healthcare to the strategies used to combat public health threats, the policies shaped by this election will impact millions of lives. Public health professionals, voters, and policymakers must remain informed and engaged, understanding how key issues influence the broader goals of health equity and safety.
Be Informed, Get Involved! Make Your Voice Heard
As election day approaches, stay informed about the candidates' positions on these critical public health issues. Review your local and national candidates' platforms, encourage community discussions, and, most importantly, vote. Your vote is your voice! If you haven’t already, make sure to register to vote or check your voter registration status by visiting vote.gov. The decisions made in this election will affect the future of public health—don’t miss your chance to shape that future. Public health is on the ballot, and the decisions made in this election will shape the future of healthcare for generations to come.
Newsroom:
Compare the candidates on healthcare policy
Health coverage, access, and the 2024 elections
Health equity in the 2024 presidential elections
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