Civic health is a fundamental component of overall wellbeing. Research shows that communities with high levels of civic engagement experience better health outcomes. When hospitals ask about voter registration, they are addressing a vital social determinant of health — our ability to influence the policies that affect our lives.
“In Minnesota, we know that healthy communities don’t happen by accident – they are created by thoughtful policies and programs led by people who consider the diversity of our great state. […] Civic Health Month is an acknowledgement of the critical role our health care providers and advocacy organizations play in keeping our communities strong.”
Findings: The authors find institutions that promote political accountability are associated with lower infant mortality across the states, while those that promote checks and balances are associated with longer life expectancy. They also find that policy liberalism is associated with better health outcomes.
The article does say it doesn’t stop at just voting near the end:
As we celebrate Civic Health Month, it’s important to recognize that our health and democracy are deeply interconnected. Engaging in civic life is not just about fulfilling a civic duty; it’s about contributing to the collective well-being of our communities. When we vote, we take an active role in shaping the policies that impact our health, our families, and our future.
It would be nice to see that be more than a footnote at the end. Here’s one of the authors, so maybe it’s more of a “baby steps first” approach:
Ben Ruxin serves as Chief Operating Officer of A Healthier Democracy, a national nonprofit dedicated to the intersection of healthcare and civic engagement.
The article doesn’t really differentiate them:
The research they cite is a little more involved:
The article does say it doesn’t stop at just voting near the end:
It would be nice to see that be more than a footnote at the end. Here’s one of the authors, so maybe it’s more of a “baby steps first” approach: