Insights on Health Care at League of Women Voters Montgomery Chapter Meeting
The Greater Montgomery Chapter of the League of Women Voters convened last week to address health care issues as part of a post-election outlook discussion.
Aretha Dix, a retired Air Force health care administrator and a strategist in rural health care with wellness consulting firm Lebleu Fields, stressed the importance of grasping the intersection of politics, government, and personal health as the nation shifts towards a new administration.
“Health equity is not solely a medical issue; it is closely linked to social determinants such as education, income, and geography,” Dix emphasized.
Role of the League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to civic engagement, conducting voter registration drives, providing essential voter information, and advocating for voting rights. Additionally, the organization supports causes including health care reform and immigration.
Processing Post-Election Emotions
The session also delved into the emotional aftermath of the recent election. Attendees were encouraged to express their feelings using emojis, resulting in a spectrum of responses from “angry” to “afraid.”
Chapter treasurer Amy Hasting reflected, “It’s been a roller coaster for me,” conveying her sense of being overwhelmed and her ongoing efforts to regain perspective.
Education Gaps and Civic Engagement
A significant part of the conversation focused on the gaps in civic education and their consequences for voter turnout and understanding of policies. While some participants believed civics education could be effectively delivered in schools, others pointed out challenges related to retention and practical application.
“Many individuals were unclear about concepts like the separation of powers or the direct impact of their vote on their community,” Dix noted.
Dix also highlighted the crucial understanding of the separation of powers, illustrating its direct implications on health equity and public policy. She explained that the actions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches fundamentally shape policies that influence daily life.
“Even if you’re not directly affected, you either know someone who is or will eventually see the effects on your community,” Dix added.
She pointed to the Affordable Care Act, a legislative measure, and the public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which fall under executive oversight. She also mentioned the significant influence of judicial decisions on health policy, citing landmark cases such as Roe v. Wade.
Dix urged for enhanced civic education, stating, “Many people entered this election without truly understanding how these checks and balances affect their lives.”
Advocacy and Legislative Concerns
Bridget Seritt, a health care advocate from Colorado, expressed concerns over prescription drug affordability boards, which monitor drug pricing, along with potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. “Reducing these programs will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society,” she warned.
The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy
Dix also discussed the significance of storytelling as a powerful advocacy tool. “Facts tell, but stories sell,” she remarked, encouraging participants to leverage personal narratives to sway policymakers. Seritt shared her experience of using her X-rays during a legislative push to garner vital support for treatments for rare diseases.
Commitment to Civic Issues
Carol Mosely, president of the Montgomery Chapter, affirmed that while the organization remains nonpartisan, it is “quite political” concerning issues at stake. “We are very active where issues are concerned, and we plan to be particularly engaged in the Legislature this year,” Mosely stated.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
