Strong, healthy communities start with engaged citizens. Getting involved creates the opportunity to live healthy lives, including access to fresh, affordable food, nice parks, safe streets, good jobs and transportation to get there. Healthy choices may seem like easy choices, but they aren’t a given in every community. Decisions about investing in our communities are made by board members and elected officials on the school board and city council and in the state legislature. Do you know them? Do they know you? They should! After all, YOU know what your community needs!
Healthier
Communities
Start Here.
Healthy communities don't happen by accident. They're built by people who show up, speak up, and get involved. So step up. It's in our hands!
Civic Engagement's Role in Health
Economic Stability
Policies can improve jobs and community resources
Public Education
Better education systems improve health
Secure Housing
Policies can make affordable and safe neighborhoods
Social Ties
Improves social connection and gives purpose
Food Access
Policies for affordable food and convenient stores
Health Behaviors
Making the healthy choice the easy choice
Access to Care
Decisions about insurance and health programs
Environment & Climate
Decisions for clean air, safe water, and public parks
Transit Options
Policies for good roads, sidewalks, and bus stops
Improve Your Community’s Health!
Vote
1
Vote for candidates who support initiatives and policies that will help improve the health and wellbeing of all who live in your community.
2
Help family, friends, and neighbors to make a plan to vote and do it!
3
Consider running for office!
Voice
1
Speak up for health issues that affect the community by writing letters to local officials, attending town hall meetings, or joining advocacy groups focused on healthcare access, environmental health, or other relevant topics.
2
Advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and address disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, income or other factors affecting access to healthcare and health outcomes.
3
Share accurate health information from credible sources with friends, family, and neighbors. Write pieces for local newspapers or share on social media.
4
Answer surveys for local health studies or research projects that aim to improve understanding of health issues affecting the community. These are often conducted by your county public health department, clinics, or universities.
Volunteer
1
Seek opportunities to represent your communities on civic boards or commissions – like the school board, park board, or human rights commission. These are the places where the decisions closest to our communities are made.
2
Offer time and skills to local organizations that focus on health-related activities such as community health fairs, vaccination drives, or health education programs.
3
Participate in local health-related events, fundraisers, or campaigns organized by community groups, places of worship, non-profits, or healthcare providers.
4
Start or join efforts to address specific health concerns in your neighborhood or community, such as safe playgrounds, strong schools, or better access to healthcare services.
Barriers to Engagement
Not everyone starts from the same place.
Historical disenfranchisement still shapes who gets to participate in civic life — and who gets left out of the decisions that affect their health.
Solutions
Building a more inclusive civic life.
Real civic engagement means dismantling barriers, not just working around them.
Embrace diversity
Everyone's strengths matter. Inclusive communities get better outcomes.
Reckon with race & power
Honest conversations about racism and power are foundational, not optional.
Invite & listen
Especially those who've been left out. Their voices change the outcome.
Build real trust
Keep promises, follow through, and make sure everyone has a genuine voice.
Honor dissent
Diffrence of opinion and peaceful protest are how communities learn and grow.
Adapt with your community
Stay open to change and navigate transitions together, fairly.
The Role of Community Health Workers
Community health workers are uniquely positioned to connect patients to their power as civic actors.
Educate patients
Explain how civic participation improves healthcare access, living conditions, and neighborhood safety. Offer voter registration resources and info on local opportunities.
Empower & support
Help patients navigate voting and volunteering. Provide materials on contacting representatives and getting involved in community decisions and advocacy.
Encourage participation
Lead sessions connecting civic engagement to health outcomes. Form peer groups that support involvement and build accountability in the community.
