P4HE resource spotlight: Political engagement for health equity

Welcome to the P4HE Collaborative Resource Spotlight on Political Engagement. Political engagement within health equity refers to the active involvement of individuals and groups in the political processes that influence health outcomes and the distribution of health resources. In this blog post, we’re excited to share a curated list of resources designed to drive action for policy makers, community members, academics, advocates, and philanthropists. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or implement new strategies, these tools are here to support your journey. Dive in and discover how these resources can help you achieve your goals.

Resource List: 

1. Civic Engagement: A Vital Sign of Health and Democracy
   This blog highlights the positive impact of civic engagement on individual and community health. It emphasizes the role of healthcare institutions in promoting civic activities, such as voter registration and community service, to enhance social trust and cohesion.
2. Why Voting Matters for Racial Justice and Health Equity
   This blog focuses on the critical role of voting in addressing systemic racial inequities and improving health outcomes. It discusses how inclusive voting policies can empower marginalized communities, leading to greater social and health equity.
3. A Mindset and Innovative Tools for Integrating Health and Equity into Policymaking Across Sectors
   This blog discusses the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach, which promotes cross-sector collaboration to improve population health. It highlights tools and strategies developed to assess the health and equity impacts of policies, aiming to inform better decision-making and advance health equity.
4. A Clear Pathway to Progress and A Framework for Advancing Health Equity
   This blog describes methods to address health disparities and enhance equity. It highlights the role of policy changes and community involvement in achieving long-term improvements in health outcomes for marginalized groups.
5. The Role of Law and Policy in Achieving Health Equity and Attaining Our Healthy People Objectives
   This report examines resources to help individuals understand which legal and policy tools may be available for communities to use in efforts to promote health equity.
6. Health Care Access and Quality - Federal Policy to Advance Racial, Ethnic, and Tribal Health Equity
   This book examines how federal policies have historically contributed to health inequities among racial, ethnic, and tribal communities. It emphasizes successful policy interventions, such as Medicaid expansions, that have improved access to care and reduced disparities, while also recommending further actions to promote health equity.
7. Voting is Critical to the Pursuit of Health Equity
   This blog highlights voting as a public health priority, showing how voter participation affects community health decisions, improves outcomes, reduces disparities, and emphasizes the need for inclusive policies to advance health equity.
8. Creating Political Will for Action on Health Equity: Practical Lessons for Public Health Policy Actors
   This journal article examines how political will is generated to support health equity policies. It provides practical strategies across sectors to advocate for equitable health policies.
9. The Political Determinants of Health: How Policy Choices Impact Our Well-Being
   This podcast examines the impact of political decisions on health outcomes, focusing on the effects of policies, power dynamics, and resource allocation. It underscores the importance of equitable policymaking in enhancing public health.
10. The Role of Primary Care in Advancing Civic Engagement and Health Equity: A Conceptual Framework
    This journal article examines how strategic messaging can influence support for policies aimed at promoting racial equity. It emphasizes the use of personal narratives and detailed descriptions of systemic racism in policy design and implementation to effectively advocate for these policies.

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