October is a critical month for chronic disease advocacy! As election season heats up, your vote can influence healthcare policies that affect patients nationwide. Check out our Election Toolkit for resources on accessible voting, candidate scorecards, and ways to share your story.
World Mental Health Day drew attention to the need for continued progress and action, take action today to support mental health care for chronic disease patients. Plus, open enrollment is here! Find tips on choosing the right health insurance and learn how to make informed decisions for your coverage this year.
Also, explore our new YouTube page, @ChronicRights, and join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
1. 2024 Election Toolkit
Election season is here, and your vote can help shape healthcare policies that affect chronic disease patients nationwide. Voting ensures your voice is heard on issues like affordable treatment and patient rights. Check out our toolkit for accessible voting options, candidate scorecards, and ways to share your story! Let’s make sure healthcare stays a top priority this election
2. Call to Action: Strengthening Mental Health Parity
October 10 was World Mental Health Day, and it’s an important reminder that mental health care is essential for chronic disease patients. In our recent nationwide poll, 60% of respondents often feel stressed in dealing with their condition, with 50% feeling “a significant negative impact on mental health and emotional well-being.” Show your support for better access to mental health care by emailing your members of Congress, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Labor (DOL). Take action now.
3. Choosing the Right Health Insurance: Tips for Chronic Disease Patients
Open enrollment is here, and if you have a chronic disease, it's the perfect time to make sure your health insurance has you covered. Casey Meehan from Molina Healthcare shared some great tips—like checking if your doctors are in-network and comparing different plans to find what works best for you. There are also programs that can help with costs, and experts who can guide you through your options. Check out the full Chronic University session here to learn more and make informed choices for your coverage this year.
4. Check out the New CDC YouTube Page
Check out the CDC’s new YouTube page, @ChronicRights! You’ll find tons of great content like our Chronic University Series, Spoonfuls, Chronic Disease Month recaps, and more. Head over to the link here to watch and stay informed.
5. Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15! This is a time to honor the achievements, rich histories, and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is highlighting the theme Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. It’s a reminder of how social determinants like environment, culture, and history shape the health of Hispanic and Latino populations.
In our nationwide poll, 33% of Hispanic and Latino respondents said they receive a different standard of care because of their race. That’s nearly 1-in-3 Hispanic and Latino patients facing unequal treatment in healthcare. Help raise awareness this Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing your story and joining our ambassador program to make your voice heard.