Health, Mental Wellness and Our Collective Voice
As we prepare for National Voter Registration Day on September 19, 2023, the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is taking a moment to reflect on the profound connection between voting, health outcomes and mental well-being. Through a blend of research, expert insights, and direct feedback from our community, we aim to uncover the transformative power of the vote.
A Tool for Empowerment and Healing
At the heart of democratic societies lies the act of voting. Not only a civic duty, voting also serves as a potent tool for individual empowerment and mental well-being. PPI has witnessed the transformative impact of political participation on our community’s health. “For many, gaining the ability to vote was about much more than politics. It was a form of self-affirmation,” said Sarah Horton, community psychiatry project manager, and a key organizer of the push for voter registration within the local community served by PPI.
Reinforcing this sentiment, a survey conducted by Dr. Graziane, an attending psychiatrist at PPI, in 2020 offered an insightful window into the community’s perspectives. A remarkable 81.4% of respondents from the adult inpatient units see voting as essential. For 66.4%, voting nurtures a feeling of community connection, and a significant 55.8% view voting as a contributor to their mental health recovery journey. This resonating feedback underscores the importance of voting as a therapeutic tool and its role in fostering a sense of community, identity and purpose.
Voting’s Impact on Health Outcomes
The recognition of voting as a social determinant of health has gained significant traction in recent years. This stems from a broader understanding of how upstream power structures directly influence the health and well-being of individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Voting, an act deeply embedded in democratic governance, transcends its political nature to influence health outcomes. When access to this fundamental right is restricted, it can exacerbate existing health disparities, particularly among those already marginalized or battling chronic diseases. The consequential cycle is evident: poor health can lead to decreased voting participation, which in turn diminishes political representation and capital. As a result, policies may be less reflective of the needs of the most vulnerable, further perpetuating health inequities. This intricate link between voting and health has been underscored by the American Medical Association, which in 2022 declared voting as a pivotal social determinant of health. For health systems in central Pennsylvania, this means more than just understanding this connection; it demands proactive efforts to facilitate voter registration, education and access within clinical settings. Such endeavors not only cater to immediate health care needs but also empower individuals, building their political and social capital, which has a cascading positive effect on other social determinants of health.
Moreover, when we see that 73.5% of PPI’s surveyed patients believe their vote genuinely makes a difference, it is a testament to the healing potential of political engagement. In empowering our community to believe in the value of their individual voices, we also promote their overall well-being.
“We found that when it comes to the relationship between voting and health, it actually doesn’t matter who you vote for,” Aliya Bhatia, executive director of Vot-ER said. “More voting is associated with better health outcomes.”
Marrying Healthcare and Civic Engagement
Across the health care landscape, there’s a burgeoning recognition of the need to embed voter registration and education within care delivery. This symbiotic relationship is evident when we understand voting as a social determinant of health. By addressing it, PPI is not only tending to our community’s immediate health needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term systemic change that favors their well-being.
As September 19 approaches, we’re not just marking a date on the calendar; we’re celebrating the potential of each vote to heal, empower and transform. Join us at PPI as we champion the cause of civic engagement and its profound impact on health and mental wellness.
“We want to empower our patients to vote and help mitigate barriers they may face when voting,” said Dr. Graziane who is assisting with the organization of a National Voter Registration Day event at PPI.
Come, be a part of the movement. Let your voice be heard. Together, we will make a difference.
National Voter Registration Day
September 19, 2023
Register to vote at three convenient locations.
- Advancement In Recovery (AIR) Program, 5:30 – 11:00 a.m.
- PPI Front Lobby, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Division Street Clinic (401 Division Street and 2501 N 3rd Street), noon – 4:00 p.m.
Visit PPI’s webpage to find directions to each of the listed locations.
Join volunteer medical students from the Penn State College of Medicine, supported by PPI, as they assist anyone interested in learning more about the voting process. At each of the locations, attendees will find assistance in checking their voter registration station, discovering their local polling location, registering to vote and learning how to request a mail-in ballot.