The League of Women Voters Greater Montgomery Chapter discussed health care at last week’s post-election outlook conference.
Aretha Dix, former Air Force medical administrator and rural health strategist at health consulting firm LeBleu Fields, understands the intersection of politics, government, and personal health as the nation transitions to a new administration. He pointed out the importance of this.
“Health equity is not just a medical issue; it is tied to social determinants such as education, income, and geography,” Dix says.
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The League of Women Voters is a national political nonprofit organization focused on civic activities such as conducting voter registration drives, providing voter information, and defending the right to vote. The group also advocates for issues such as health care reform and immigration.
The meeting also considered the psychological toll of the recent elections. Participants were asked to share their feelings after the election using emojis, with responses ranging from “angry” to “scared.”
“It’s been a roller coaster for me,” said Amy Hastings, chapter treasurer, who said she was feeling overwhelmed but trying to put things back into perspective.
Much of the discussion revolved around disparities in civics education and its impact on voter turnout and policy understanding. While some attendees argued that civics is adequately taught in schools, others highlighted challenges in retention and application.
“A lot of people didn’t understand what separation of powers meant and how their vote would impact their community,” Dix said.
Mr. Dix discussed the importance of understanding the separation of powers and emphasized its direct impact on health equity and public policy. He said the roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches shape policies that affect daily life.
“Even if you weren’t directly affected, I know that someone or these things have affected your community in some way. Even if they haven’t been affected, I want to help you. I guarantee you it will have an impact,” Dix said.
She cited the Affordable Care Act, which falls under the responsibility of the Legislature, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s public health guidelines, which the Executive Branch oversees. He cited cases like Roe v. Wade as an example of how judicial decisions have far-reaching implications for health care policy.
“Many people went into this election without fully understanding how these checks and balances affect their lives,” she said, calling for more civics education. added.
Bridget Sellitto, a health care advocate in Colorado, spoke of the risks of the Prescription Drug Affordability Commission, a state-level agency that reviews prescription drug costs, and potential Medicaid and Medicare cuts.
“Cuts to these programs will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable in our society,” she warned.
Dix also spoke about the power of storytelling in future advocacy.
“You tell facts, but stories sell,” Diggs said, encouraging participants to use their personal stories to influence policymakers. Sellitto said sharing her X-rays during her legislative push helped secure critical support for rare disease treatments.
Montgomery chapter president Carol Moseley said the organization is nonpartisan but “very political.”
“We’re very active in the areas that matter, and we intend to be very active in Congress this year,” Moseley said.
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