Health Policy and Advocacy

Advocacy – a tool for achieving policy and systemic change – is a key strategic priority of the RHC. Our advocacy efforts, which remain non-partisan, evidence-based, collaborative, and patient/person-centered, bolster our mission to improve access to health care, improve health outcomes, and eliminate health disparities.

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Actions We Prioritize

  1. Take a firm position on policies that improve health outcomes and increase access to care
  2. Leverage other organizations to share and support advocacy issues
  3. Utilize data and patient/provider stories to elevate patient concerns
  4. Empower and educate advisory boards and patients with advocacy tools and trainings
  5. Strengthen relationships with elected officials and provide education

RHC Policy Tracker

Each legislative cycle, the RHC tracks state actions that could significantly affect health outcomes across the state of Missouri and beyond. Check out our policy tracker here or by clicking the button below to see what legislation we’re tracking in the 2024 session.

RHC Policy Tracker

Take Action

After months of campaigning and organizing, in August 2020, Missourians passed a ballot measure to expand Medicaid and improve the health of our state. The St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) is committed to ensuring Medicaid expansion’s timely and effective implementation.

Before expansion, nearly 600,000 Missourians, or almost 1 in 10, did not have health insurance. Expansion extends eligibility for an additional 275,000 Missourians, including people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma. Now, adults may qualify who earn less than $17,774 per year as an individual, and less than $36,750 for a family of four (138% of the federal poverty level). 

We need to hold our state accountable to effectively implement the expansion of this life saving program. Sign up for our listserv (at the top of this webpage) to stay updated about advocacy opportunities. 

Visit covermissouri.org for more information on how to enroll in Medicaid.

Stay informed about upcoming elections and make your voice heard! Your vote impacts the health of your community. Visit the RHC’s Vote Safe page for more information on how to vote safely in the upcoming elections.

Each legislative cycle, the RHC tracks Missouri legislation that could impact the health of our state. Stay informed via the RHC’s Policy Tracker page. Contact your elected officials to let them know what you think about the bills!

Advocacy Framework

Collectively design and align strategies with regional efforts.

Develop shared advocacy action steps with advisory boards and partners.

Educate advisory boards, the Commission, legislators, and the community on policy updates and action steps.

Leverage partner organizations to activate their own communities.

Advocate for specific policy changes at institutional, regional, state-wide, and federal levels.

Our Priority Areas

Expanding coverage for the uninsured and underinsured

Achieving health equity

Developing the health care workforce

Addressing social determinants of health

Legislative Spotlights

  • Voting On The November Ballot
    Everyone deserves to have their voice heard this election. This post provides a brief overview of your voting rights, and what you can expect to see on the ballot. Make sure you are registered to vote and view a sample ballot here! Know Your Voting Rights It is illegal for someone to intimidate or harass … Read more
  • Amendment 7: Eliminating Ranked Choice Voting
    The passage of Amendment 7, a ballot measure appearing on the November 5 election ballot, would eliminate ranked choice voting, except for St. Louis. St. Louis currently uses approval voting for their local elections.  The Community Health Commission of Missouri opposes the passage of Amendment 7 because ranked choice voting has been shown to decrease … Read more
  • Amendment 3: Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative
    A critical health-focused ballot measure on the November 5 election ballot is Amendment 3, or the “Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative.” The amendment would establish the constitutional right to an abortion. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, nearly all abortions became illegal in Missouri, with few exceptions for the health of … Read more
  • RHC Joins Sign-On Letter Opposing Anti-Diversity Legislation
    State legislators are currently deliberating on a number of proposed laws aimed at limiting the ability of public and private organizations to conduct training or implement initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some of these bills target only state departments, while others extend to public and private medical institutions within higher education. If passed, … Read more

Questions?

To learn more about the RHC’s Health Policy and Advocacy work, please contact Riisa Rawlins.