April 7: Access to Healthcare Day
A movement to raise awareness and advocate for better healthcare access
Why
Access to healthcare is becoming increasingly difficult for many individuals, with numerous barriers preventing people from getting the care they need when they need it. This can lead to more serious health issues over time, putting added strain on both individuals and the healthcare system. Without reliable healthcare, even seemingly minor issues—like a toothache or impaired vision—can escalate, creating significant obstacles to employment, education, overall well-being, and productivity.
About
For the past decade, Seattle/King County Clinic has united healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to create the largest community-driven free health clinic of its kind in the United States. While this transformative annual clinic at Seattle Center (April 24 – 27) provides dental, vision, medical, and social services to thousands of people who struggle to access and afford care, change is needed to affect the full extent of the issue.
Join Us
On April 7 (World Health Day), the community behind Seattle/King County Clinic is coming together to urge individuals, policymakers, and organizations of all kinds to do their part in making meaningful progress toward addressing barriers to healthcare – this will be recognized locally as Access to Healthcare Day.
“The healthcare gap is steadily widening as costs rise, insurance becomes more complicated, and services grow less accessible. Everyday people are being left behind. It’s time we do better.”
Go Green
On April 7, regional landmarks and buildings will be illuminated green to symbolize Access to Healthcare Day. Use these color codes to turn your facilities green.
- RBG: 0, 153, 51
- HEX: 009933
Support
Your skills and resources can help to bridge the healthcare gaps by supporting free clinics across Washington and other organizations working to reduce barriers to care including:
Advocate
Addressing healthcare challenges is complex, but your involvement matters.
- Educate yourself on the issues using reputable sources such as Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), The Commonwealth Fund, and AARP.
- Contact elected officials to share your healthcare experiences and thoughts on needed reform.
- Join an advocacy group – there’s power and influence in numbers.
- Make the case to people you know and help them understand how this affects them.
Share
It takes a village to drive change – add your voice, whether individual or organizational, to the cause.
- Post about Access to Healthcare Day using suggested social assets below.
- Tell your story about the challenges you’ve faced with healthcare.
- Talk about actions you’re taking to improve healthcare access.
- Use the hashtag #AccessToHealthcare
Social Media Toolkit
Spread the word with your community
Join us in raising awareness about the importance of accessible healthcare. Use the social media graphics and suggested copy below to amplify this crucial message. Don’t forget to include the hashtags #SeattleKingCountyClinic and #AccessToHealthcare to be part of the conversation!
Suggested social copy:
- Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. #AccessToHealthcare
- Healthcare should never be out of reach. #AccessToHealthcare
- When healthcare is accessible, communities thrive. #AccessToHealthcare
- Good health opens doors—to education, employment, and a better life. But, too many people are left behind due to barriers to healthcare. It’s time for change. #AccessToHealthcare
- No one should have to skip a healthcare visit because they can’t afford it. Healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and equitable. #AccessToHealthcare
- Having health insurance doesn’t always guarantee access to healthcare. High costs, provider shortages, and coverage gaps often keep essential care out of reach for many. It’s time to rethink our approach. #AccessToHealthcare
Share these graphics on your social media. Download here: Envision a Future, Everyone Deserves Healthcare, Healthcare isn’t a Luxury, Strong Communities.
Click here to view a one page overview on Access to Healthcare Day.