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National Public Health Week - Day 4

Today, the Illinois Public Health Association recognizes the power of advocacy to improve the health of our communities.

We’ve all been advocates in our own way. Whether it was asking for a raise, standing up for your child’s needs, or sharing your opinion, we have all used our voices to influence change. Public health advocacy is no different. It’s about using your voice to create a healthier world for everyone.  You do not need to be a leading expert on a health issue to advocate effectively for the health of your community.  

Advocates have helped create big changes in public health. Because of them, we now have laws that make us wear seatbelts in cars, vaccines that stop us from getting sick, food labels that tell us what we’re eating and rules that keep smoke out of public places. These wins show how using our voices can make life better
and safer for everyone.

Using an equity lens can transform public health advocacy. When we listen to people who face the biggest health challenges and work to fix the deeper problems that cause poor health – like racism and unequal access to care – we create solutions that help all communities thrive.

Public health advocacy starts with...You!

Joining existing grassroots efforts
Connect with local community organizations or join the IPHA Policy and Legislative Committee for a greater impact. When you join a local group, you can work with others to boost community voices, push for changes, and tackle health problems in your area.

Speaking for health
Meet with decisionmakers, use action alerts and inspire your networks to take action.

Voting for health
Support leaders and policies that advance health for all.

Lifting up and celebrating community advocates
Remember that community members are experts in their own experiences and know what solutions will work best. This approach gives power to community members, builds trust and ensures solutions that work for everyone.

Training health professionals to be advocates
Create opportunities to learn the basics of advocacy, including how it differs from lobbying, and remind public health professionals of the importance of free speech and the right to push for change.

Declaring racism as a public health crisis
Recognize racism’s impact on health and commit to fixing racial inequities through policy and action.

Partnering with community power-building organizations
These groups understand how power affects people’s health and work to fix unfair systems that hurt certain communities. Partnering with these groups makes advocacy stronger by creating lasting solutions.

Pushing Congress to make public health a top national priority
Lawmakers should pass legislation that safeguards public health funding, infrastructure and authority. At the same time, they must avoid policies that restrict the freedom to advocate for public health policies, like HR9495.

Building coalitions to support healthy policies
Join forces to remove barriers to health and fight for fair access for all communities. When public health advocates unite, we have a stronger voice.

Want to get involved with IPHA's advocacy efforts or learn more about our legislative and policy efforts? Visit Policy & Advocacy or email Conny Moody, IPHA Policy and Advocacy Director for more information.