Ambassador Norman Eisen (Ret.) 

Allegra Lawrence-Hardy 

Attendees at the Black Health Matters 2024 Health Summit & Expo participated in a conversation about the critical role of voting in determining legislative agendas in Black communities. Former ambassador Norman Eisen and legal expert Allegra Lawrence-Hardy led the discussion about the power of voting.  

Lawrence-Hardy began by praising the audience for demonstrating their commitment to civic engagement by coming out to the summit. “I could tell when I walked up, I was in a room full of super voters. I love it,” she said enthusiastically.

She went on to remind the room of attendees that merely showing up was not enough to facilitate change in their communities. She explained they needed to spread awareness of the power of the ballot and aid their loved ones in successfully making their way to the polls.

According to the Annals of Family Medicine, “there exist many barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized communities. These barriers cultivate less representative government and less inclusive public policy.” This is particularly important because “Public policy shapes our health ecosystem, influencing the accessibility of comprehensive health care, secure housing, nutritious food, quality education, jobs with livable wages, and freedom from crime and discrimination.”

These barriers, including voter identification laws, have risen in recent years, making the need for engaged citizens to galvanize their communities even larger. This intersects with the healthcare priorities of communities as “Laws that restrict voting are usually enacted at the state-level, where legislators also have the power to limit access to Medicaid and private insurance policies offered under the Affordable Care Act,” according to a study published in  Lancet Regional Health.

Eisen revealed that he and Lawrence-Hardy were engaged in a battle to challenge voter discrimination tactics, though he was unable to offer details. “We were just planning a new lawsuit backstage,” he revealed.

“We know that it’s not enough for us to be the super voters, right? We know we have to make sure we have a plan for everyone in our lives,” said Lawrence Hardy.

Governmental regulation plays a crucial role in research funding, protocol development, and other healthcare functions. “Because democracy is not just about voting, it’s about making sure that every one of us has a chance to live a healthy life,” said Lawrence-Hardy.

“That is the foundation of American democracy with all of its ups and downs with all of its imperfections, allowing Black communities to influence the election of leaders who prioritize our democracy, who prioritize genuine American values, not the fake version that some people are pushing and who prioritize Black health,” added Eisen. He shared a graphic with the audience that illustrated the correlation between disparate health outcomes and low voter turnout.

The alarming statistics from the Health And Democracy Index reflected disparities in infant mortality rates, chronic disease prevalence, access to the appropriate disability resources, and other key factors.

“You can see the clear relationship between democracy matters, voting matters, and Black Health Matters,” continued Eisen.

“We know about health disparities, we know about all the ways in which Healthcare policy can discriminate against Black and Brown communities. And so this gives us an opportunity through democracy to advocate for those changes. Democracy also allows for some accountability,” said Lawrence-Hardy.

Lawrence-Hardy pointed out the value in having elected officials who connect to the communities they serve. She mentioned the contributions of Councilman Dr. Yusef Salaam, who attended the summit and shared his own family’s healthcare struggles, informing attendees that they were not alone in their concerns about healthcare access in Harlem and other predominantly Black spaces.

“In a democracy, we get to elect representatives, who understand our unique health challenges, right? You just heard from a city councilman who understands the health challenges we all face. His family has engaged and dealt with those who have health challenges,” she said.

Environmental threats to daily life in Black communities stemming from climate change and other factors was mentioned by Lawrence Hardy. “I come here from Georgia and I can tell you that there are things that happen in our communities in terms of waste and environmental hazards that don’t happen in other communities. We have to be able to use the democratic process to protect our family from them,” she said.

“We can’t talk about health without talking about gun violence. And the way that it affects our children, our communities,” she continued. “The economic disparities, particularly as we see them in housing and the way that that impacts Black health, you don’t have secure housing. It’s very hard to stay healthy.”

Unsure where the candidates in your area stand? You can research it.

Candidates’ voting records on healthcare matters are included in the public record meaning their statements can be fact-checked by those voting. An informed electorate can make a difference in healthcare outcomes at the state and federal levesl.

Find out additional information on when and how you or your loved ones can register to vote here.