Your voice matters. Be informed. Be engaged. Vote

Healthcare Advocacy Starts with an Informed Voice

Advocacy is a central part of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) mission to advance healthy communities through a unified voice across the healthcare continuum. Throughout the year, SDAHO’s Advocacy Team works on behalf of members in Pierre and Washington, D.C. and just as important is ensuring our members are informed, providing timely updates, resources and opportunities to engage on the issues that matter to their organizations, employees, patients and communities.

Know Before you Vote: November 3

With the November 3 General Election approaching, that engagement extends to the ballot box. Decisions made by elected leaders and voters can have a lasting impact on healthcare in South Dakota. From healthcare funding and workforce challenges to access to care, Medicaid, regulation and the future of our rural communities, public policy touches nearly every aspect of the work our members do each day.

SDAHO Jacob Parsons, director of advocacy and reimbursement encourages members to take time to become informed about both the issues and the people who will appear on their ballot. “Get to know the candidates running for local, legislative and statewide offices. Ask questions. Learn about their positions on issues important to healthcare, your organization and the communities you serve”.

South Dakota voters will also consider several statewide ballot questions this year. Taking time to understand what each proposal would change—and the potential implications—is an important part of making an informed decision at the polls.

A great way to better understand what a Yes or No vote will mean by visiting the Secretary of State’s webpage, there you can view a sample ballot.  View the 2026 Ballot Question Pamphlet here.

SDAHO has taken a position against one such ballot question this year, Amendment I.  Parsons, reminds members “Amendment I is another attempt by the South Dakota Legislature to undermine Medicaid Expansion, which passed with 56% of the votes in 2022. A vote NO ensures Medicaid Expansion continues to cover some of our most vulnerable citizens in South Dakota.”

Advocacy Goes Beyond Election Day

Voting is one important part of advocacy, but engagement shouldn’t end when the polls close. Healthcare professionals and leaders bring valuable firsthand experience to public policy conversations. Building relationships with elected officials, sharing the challenges facing your organization and community, and helping policymakers understand how their decisions affect patients, employees and access to care all help strengthen the voice of healthcare in South Dakota.

Be informed. Get engaged. Know the issues. Know the candidates. And make your voice heard on November 3.