Public Health Advocacy Institute’s Post

🗳 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐭! 🗳 Public health initiatives are directly shaped by the policies we vote for. From healthcare access to health equity and social determinants, political decisions have a profound impact on the well-being of our communities. In this week’s 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓, we explore the critical connection between public health and political policy, and what’s at stake for key health issues as we head into the 2024 elections. Make sure your organization stays informed and engaged. 🔗 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞: https://lnkd.in/gWpY8a-5 #VoteForHealth #PublicHealthMatters #Elections2024 #HealthPolicy #MakeYourVoteCount #CommunityWellness #UmembaHealth

How can elections be used to move health policy forward? An election is a rare moment for advocates. They have an opportunity to hold policymakers to account, pitch their case for change, and potentially get them to sign up to policies that they may implement. This is crucial, because those elected for a whole term can take a long-term view of investment, prioritising health as the pressing issue it is. With so many national and international elections taking place this year, it is a perfect time for advocates to speak up. There is a long road between talking to a candidate and witnessing policy change, and it is not always an easy one. But the rewards can be hugely valuable. What are the challenges and benefits of advocating in the political space, and how can we ensure that the time is invested wisely? Read our latest blog, written by Managing Director Ed Harding, and let us know below what you think are the best ways to engage with political candidates. https://lnkd.in/gGKdczd2

If you have an election soon, what does that means for your advocacy and policy goals? What should be different, and what actually doesn’t change that much? Take a look at my latest blog, comments and reshares much appreciated.

Elections are pivotal moments that shape not just our political landscape but also the broader context of public health and community well-being. The outcomes of elections have far-reaching impacts on policies that govern healthcare access, funding for public health initiatives, and efforts toward health equity. For those of us in public health, the results of elections are a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure every voice is heard and every need is met. This week, as we process the results of the election, it’s essential to focus on what comes next. Whether the outcomes align with our hopes or challenge us to rethink our strategies, we must remain committed to advocating for policies that promote the health and wellness of all communities, particularly those historically underserved. Public health is inherently tied to stability, trust, and strong leadership. As we move forward, let’s channel our energy into constructive dialogue, community engagement, and collaborative efforts that keep the well-being of the public at the forefront. Change is continuous, and our dedication to creating a healthier, more equitable society does not waver. Stay hopeful, stay resilient, and let’s keep striving for a future where public health is a shared priority.

Following the general election, our first 100 days policy tracker documented major developments in health and care under the newly-elected Labour government. The tracker covers the NHS, social care, public health and the building blocks of health – the wider social and economic factors that shape our health, such as housing and work. Take a look back and explore our analysis 👇 https://lnkd.in/eREv4YRd

🗳️ UK General Election 2024 - We are just one week away!   ➡️Hundreds of new MPs ➡️New policy priorities  ➡️Innovative approaches to Government (?) We believe that parliamentary engagement is fundamental to achieving your UK commercial goals.   🤝We want to help you define your public affairs strategy and ensure you engage with the relevant MPs.   📢RPP London is offering 1-to-1 discussion sessions, starting from the 5th July, in which we will provide: 1) a summary of the results of the general election 2) analysis of what health policy commitments in manifestos could mean for your organization 3) a mapping of the relevant MPs, both new and retained, based on their background and interests.    Please contact Benjamin Smith (b.smith@rpp-group.com) to arrange a session.   #UKHealthcare #GeneralElection2024 #HealthPolicy #PublicAffairs

🌟 With the general election looming less than 3 weeks away, the NHS will undoubtedly take centre stage in the campaign. But what about social care? Many voices are clamouring for investment and reform to address the shortcomings of the social care system. As we approach 4 July and beyond, what do you think the impact on both health and social care will be? Do you think we’ve learnt from past elections to ensure everything is properly addressed in their agendas? We're eager to hear your thoughts and insights on this crucial issue. Share your perspectives in the comments below and let's engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of health and social care in our country. 🗳️💬 #GeneralElection #Healthcare #SocialCare #EnhancedHealthcare

*Health at a crossroads: future of the European Union hangs in the balance* by The Lancet. "This is a defining moment for public health in the EU. The decisions made by this newly elected Parliament will either propel us towards a healthier, more united Europe or set us back, jeopardising the wellbeing of millions. The stakes could not be higher. Health is at a crossroads, and every eligible EU citizen must take responsibility for the future of their continent by actively participating in elections. A 51% voter turnout is discouraging and highlights the need for greater civic engagement. In democratic societies, voting is both a right and a responsibility." https://lnkd.in/eC4gwatW

This week the political parties published their manifestos ahead of the general election on 4th July. Want to know what they've pledged on health and social care? 🚑 Read our analysis 👇 🔵Conservatives - https://shorturl.at/96htM 🔴Labour - https://shorturl.at/FaBh5 🟡Liberal Democrats - https://shorturl.at/FxdpP Whoever forms the government after the election, our members want to see them prioritise 5️⃣ things in order to build the health of the nation. https://lnkd.in/e26Cyk4s ⏲️ No top-down structural reform and a 12 month NHS stabilisation plan 🏥 Increase capital spending and reform how the capital regime operates 👩⚕️Fund and deliver the NHS LTWP, with a similar plan for social care 🏘️ Provide more care closer to home 📋 A cross-government national mission to drive health improvement

Democracy and Public Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin? This week, I've been reflecting on the parallels between public health and the upcoming elections. Here's why they might seem like different worlds, but share some core values: Prevention is Key: Public health focuses on preventing illness, just like elections allow us to choose leaders who will shape policies impacting our collective well-being. Informed voting can help prevent harmful policies from taking hold. Equity Matters: Public health strives for health equity, ensuring everyone has access to resources. Similarly, fair and accessible elections ensure all voices are heard, promoting a healthy democracy. Data Drives Decisions: Public health professionals rely on data to guide interventions. Likewise, researching candidates' platforms and voting records helps us make informed choices. Community Engagement is Crucial: Public health thrives on collaboration. Elections, too, function best with high voter turnout and active participation from all community members. So, what's the call to action? Get informed! Research candidates' positions on issues that matter to you. Exercise your right to vote! It's your chance to be part of the preventative approach ill health for our society. Spread awareness! Encourage others to participate and make their voices heard. Healthy communities require both a healthy population and a healthy democracy, with healthy debate. Let's work together on both! #Elections #PublicHealth #CivicEngagement #Vote PS Yes, we share the same surname and look similar, because she's my Mum. :-) And a reminder that when you disagree with a politicians opinion, they are someones Mum, Dad, daughter, son, partner or friend and in most instances are doing something you wouldn't do and someone's got to do in a democracy. :-)