Why Health Is Primary

No matter who we are, we all need health care at some point in our lives: doctors, nurses, dentists, medications, mental health support, and emergency and urgent care.

That is the message behind Seven Days in June: Health is Primary. Healthy communities depend on strong health systems.

The campaign brings together community health centers, public health leaders, faith communities, workers, advocates, and residents from across the country. Together, they want to raise awareness about the importance of affordable health care, public health programs, medical research, and community services.

The campaign is not connected to any political party. Instead, it focuses on one idea: health affects everyone.

DAP Health very much wanted to be among the organizations participating. “Health is not political, it’s personal, it’s local, and it impacts every single person in the diverse communities we serve,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “We are proud to stand with fellow nonprofits across the country to ensure health care remains a top priority for those seeking to lead. Through this campaign, we will amplify the voices of our patients and community members and make clear what’s at stake.”

Why the campaign matters

Many health care leaders are worried about the future of health care in the United States. Across the country, hospitals and clinics are facing staff shortages and rising costs. At the same time, many people still struggle to get the care they need. Some communities have fewer doctors, fewer clinics, and fewer mental health services than they need.

Health experts are also concerned about possible cuts to programs that help support:

• • Medi-Cal

• • Public health departments

• • Medical research

• • Disease prevention programs

• • Community clinics and health services

When health systems lose funding, communities can suffer. People may delay care because they cannot afford it. Small problems can become serious illnesses. Emergency rooms can become overcrowded. Families can face financial stress because of medical bills.

Seven Days in June encourages people to think about how health care affects everyday life. Health care is not just about hospitals or politics. It affects schools, jobs, families, housing, and community safety.

What happens during Seven Days in June?

There is no single national event. Instead, communities across the country plan their own activities during the week.

Some communities will host:

• • Town halls

• • Community conversations

• • Candlelight vigils

• • Educational events

• • Storytelling projects

• • Social media campaigns

• •Neighborhood gatherings

Many events are designed to help people share their personal experiences with health care. Some gatherings honor people who were lost because they could not get the care they needed. Others celebrate health care workers and community members who help keep people healthy every day.

The campaign also encourages people to ask elected leaders important questions about health care and public health.

DAP Health’s local involvement

In the Coachella Valley, DAP Health plans to take part in Seven Days in June through local partnerships and by hosting community conversations June 1-4, a town hall at the Cathedral City Senior Center on June 5, and the publication of candidate score cards educating the public about what issues are on the ballot.

NBC Palm Springs plans to help spotlight local voices and community experiences during the week.

Final details are still being planned, but the goal is already clear: create opportunities for people to talk honestly about health care, wellness, and access to services.

DAP Health’s involvement reflects its long history of serving the community through:

• • Primary medical care

• • Dental care

• • Behavioral health services

• • Public health outreach

• • Whole-person care

• • Social services

• • HIV/STI prevention and treatment

• • Pharmacy services

• • Urgent care

Health affects all of us

DAP Health believes every person deserves compassionate, respectful, and affordable care. One of the biggest messages behind Seven Days in June is that health care touches every life. When people can get care early, they’re more likely to stay healthy. Families are stronger. Communities are stronger, too.

Seven Days in June is a reminder that health care is not just a political issue. It is personal. It affects our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and loved ones every day.

That is why the campaign’s message is simple: Health is primary.

If you would like more information about all DAP Health has planned during Seven Days in June, please click here.

To learn more about becoming a patient at DAP Health, visit DAPHealth.org.

This content sponsored by DAP Health