2024 is shaping up to be a consequential election year in all 50 states — from the U.S. President and Congress to governors and local legislators. Each election cycle presents a golden opportunity to ensure our lawmakers understand and prioritize the needs of patients across the country.
And at the Chronic Disease Coalition, we won’t let that opportunity go to waste. This is our time to speak; to tell them what we need them to know should they represent us in our government.
To help voters make informed decisions, we are excited to introduce the "Candidate Scorecard," a helpful tool designed for anyone to evaluate how well candidates align with key health care issues that directly impact patients' lives and well-being. This initiative is rooted in the belief that patient care should always come before politics.
We’ve designed this tool to include a couple of questions for both local candidates, and those running for higher office at the federal level. We’ve built them into the CDC’s three main advocacy priorities: Access, affordability, and representation — but always remember, you should feel empowered to ask candidates anything.
By doing so, we can collectively ensure that our representatives are committed to improving the health care system for everyone, particularly those with chronic conditions.
As we head into the 2024 elections, let’s use this opportunity to advocate for a health care system that truly serves the people. While we’re launching this resource during Chronic Disease Month, this tool should be useful throughout the next few months as the election season heats up.
Speaking of elections, you may also want to check out our 2024 Roll Call of Champions list — we have nearly 50 elected officials this year that have championed our issues by sponsoring priority legislation. If you’re wondering whether your representatives share our values, see if they made the list! (Please note: The CDC doesn’t endorse candidates, but we like to recognize good work when it’s been done.)
Always feel free to reach out to our Director of Advocacy Nathaniel Brown if you have any questions about policy or politics as it relates to our work at the CDC.