Building Health & Civic Power: NEVHC's Election Impact

As the 2024 General Election comes to a close, Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) reflects on a year filled with opportunities to advance healthcare and community well-being. Through a civic engagement grant from the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), we worked to promote a culture of civic participation among our staff and patients, empowering them to vote and advocate for their health. Guided by the My Vote. My Health. model, we empowered our communities to be advocates for their health, culminating in 257,678 patient impressions and 11,613 staff impressions across our 17 health centers—a true testament to collective action.

Participation in the 2024 election also provided an unprecedented opportunity to secure sustainable, long-term funding for California’s Medi-Cal program, which supports the majority of our patients at NEVHC. The outcomes of these elections will have a lasting impact on healthcare policy and access, directly benefiting those we serve.

Building a Culture of Civic Participation at NEVHC

As a trusted voice in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, NEVHC leveraged multiple strategies to inspire voter turnout and civic involvement. With the support of the CPCA grant, we distributed nonpartisan voter education materials—both digital and printed—highlighting key dates for the 2024 election. These included My Vote. My Health. voter guides and LA County voter registration forms, made readily available to patients and staff in our lobbies.

Our efforts extended far beyond clinic walls. NEVHC forged meaningful partnerships with public agencies and nonprofits to emphasize the link between voting and health:

• Celebrating National Voter Registration Day: The LA County Registrar/Recorder and LA City Clerk’s offices hosted tabling events at our health centers, making voter registration accessible to patients and staff.
• Staff Training: Nonprofit partner Mi Familia en Acción provided training to our staff, equipping them to engage in nonpartisan conversations about the importance of voting.
• Community Resource Day: NEVHC organized a dynamic event featuring over 50 organizations offering free resources while promoting civic empowerment.
• Social Media Outreach: We reached broader audiences with inspiring posts featuring staff sharing what motivates their civic engagement.

Frontline staff also embraced their roles as Civic Champions, proudly wearing “Vote for your Health/Vota por tu Salud” shirts while checking in patients on key activation dates. These efforts underscored our commitment to empowering our community at every touchpoint.

To ensure voting was accessible for all, NEVHC hosted three LA County Flex Vote Centers at our Newhall, Sun Valley, and San Fernando Locations. These centers allowed patients, staff, and community members to vote early and conveniently, thanks to the dedication of LA County election staff.

The grant implementation had many victories and created opportunities for growth as we move forward into a new year. Civic engagement is not just voting but being involved in the community to help create a better place for all. Nevertheless, voting in the 2024 elections brought victories in community health.

A Milestone for Community Health: Proposition 35

Among the many critical decisions on the ballot was Proposition 35, a measure aimed at securing sustainable funding for healthcare. The overwhelming approval of Prop 35 marked a major victory for community health centers and Medi-Cal recipients across California.

This success is a testament to the tireless advocacy of healthcare leaders and organizations, including NEVHC, who worked to ensure voters understood the measure’s significance. With guaranteed funding from Prop 35, we can look forward to greater stability and expanded care for those who need it most.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the election’s outcomes, we remain mindful of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Changes at the national level may bring uncertainty around healthcare funding, immigrant protections, and the strength of safety net programs. At NEVHC, our commitment to serving vulnerable communities with equitable, culturally competent care remains steadfast.

Community health centers have long enjoyed bipartisan support, and we will continue to advocate at all levels of government to uphold the rights and well-being of our patients. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will face the future with determination and hope.

Celebrating Progress and Renewing Our Commitment

As we close the chapter on the 2024 election, let’s take a moment to celebrate our achievements. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, NEVHC has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities. Looking ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing health, equity, and civic engagement—building a brighter and healthier future, for all.