The Power of Advocacy

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We’ve all been advocates in our own way. Whether it was asking for a raise, standing up for your child’s needs, or simply 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.

Public Health Advocacy

Our vision for public health is only achievable when the authority, ability and funding are in place to act for public health, which requires intentional and sustained advocacy. Advocacy is the means by which individuals or groups attempt to bring about social and/or organizational change on behalf of a goal, program, interest, or population.

Public health advocacy takes many forms, including educating the public and informing elected officials about the importance of an issue, program, or need for funding. Advocacy can also include lobbying, where allowable, which is a strategy to persuade lawmakers to make a particular policy decision.

Examples of Successful Public Health Advocacy

Advocacy has been key to many public health victories. Over the years, advocates have played a vital role in securing important public health policies, such as seatbelt laws, vaccines, nutrition labeling, and smoke-free air.

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Seatbelts

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Vaccines

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Nutrition Labels

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Tobacco-Free Zones

Advocating for Public Health

Public health advocacy seeks to advance policy solutions, shift practices, and catalyze investments. In recent years, passionate public health advocates have focused on pressing needs like law and policy solutions that protect public health, funding and workforce challenges, and are doing so with inclusive approaches that grow civic muscle and belonging.

Advance Law and Policy Solutions

In contrast to current efforts to limit government’s ability to act for public health, advocates are taking action to reinvigorate the Public Health sector, while shoring up internal capacity to advocate and advancing policy solutions to public health challenges. These efforts set the stage for long-term, effective advocacy that creates real impact.

Oklahoma advocates re-established the presence of Public Health

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Virginia advocates revamped local health districts

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Address Funding, Workforce, and Systems Challenges

For decades Public Health has been underfunded and understaffed. Advocates recognize the need for sustained investment for the Essential Public Health Services, and are focusing their efforts are securing foundational funding, addressing workforce challenges, and modernizing public health infrastructure.

Virginia advocates directed efforts towards workforce, funding, and authority

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Washington advocates secured funding for essential public services

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Grow Civic Muscle and Belonging

Public Health is strengthened by meaningful engagement and trust-building with communities. Advocates understand that more is possible when they work together with communities and with advocates on allied issues. Through collaboration and engagement, advocates are advancing their goals while growing civic muscle and belonging.

Washington advocates engaged with tribal groups and other advocates

SEE CASE STUDY

Oklahoma advocates increased diversity of their policy committee

SEE CASE STUDY

The Time to Advocate is Now

Public health advocacy is more important than ever. Communities face growing health challenges, like climate change, vaccine hesitancy, and rising healthcare costs. Meanwhile, recent legal challenges have threatened the ability of public health agencies to implement important measures to protect public health. These challenges highlight the urgent need for advocacy to safeguard public health authority and ensure effective responses to emerging threats.

Taking Action on Key Issues

Attacks on public health authority do not exist in isolation. Rather, they are part of broader social movements that threaten democratic institutions, civil rights, and progress toward health equity and mutual liberation. For example, over the last several years we have witnessed attacks on LGBTQ+ people, transgender rights, and abortion rights. Advocacy on specific issues and policies that safeguard people’s rights and opportunities for well-being is crucial. Such advocacy not only protects individuals but also drives systemic changes on interconnected issues and long-term shifts in power dynamics, culture, and environments that profoundly influence our health.

These issue areas are the focus of recent legislative action and need advocacy now: