Dear friends,

This week is heavy and hard for many of us committed to health equity. In light of the national election results, we want to acknowledge the very real worries and fears that many of you in our community are feeling.

After all, and as we’ve shared with you through our conversations, webinars, and blogs, we all knew what was at stake in this election for health equity and our democracy. And we’ve outlined some of the challenges that would remain regardless of the outcome of the election. Now, with the possibility of increased structural inequities and cuts to public health under the next administration—through policies and a permission structure that threaten to put more people in harm’s way—many of us, along with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and loved ones, are experiencing a range of anxiety and concern as we consider the future.

While many are happy with the results of the election, there are many Americans who are not. You may feel grief, sadness, anger, frustration, disappointment, hopelessness, fear, or numbness. Some of you might seek respite and quiet as you process, while others seek the comfort of community or the focus of channeling emotions into action. Some may find a bit of solace in glimmers of good news—like the passage of minimum wage and paid sick leave laws in several states, or the fact that two Black women will serve in the Senate for the first time ever, as will the first openly trans member of Congress. Others might take the long view, remembering the long arc of history, the health justice battles we’ve waged before, and the progress we’ve made as a country while you steel your spine for the work ahead. You might feel all of this at once.

Make no mistake, in the days ahead, we will continue to work together to build deliberate solidarity, strengthen and expand coalitions for health, and mobilize our networks to support marginalized communities and people experiencing harm due to social and economic injustices. Over the coming weeks, we will help address what the election results mean for health equity, join others in urging the incoming administration and legislators to avoid harm through their words and actions. Our November 19 webinar, “After the Election: What’s Next for Health Equity,” will unpack potential risks and opportunities and help organizations and individuals dedicated to health equity to chart courses for action. Our election engagement guide already provides resources for connecting and sense making. And over time, we will continue to help leaders not only improve care for all  but also to repair and push back against policies that put people in harm’s way and fight for positive change.

(If the notion of getting your sleeves rolled up energizes you and you are eager to lead, or learn to lead, at this moment, then please let us know by expressing your interest here. We are designing a space to build policy advocacy and leadership skills and a community of mutual support among existing and emerging health equity leaders and Upstreamists).

There will be work to do beyond tomorrow. For today, we want to acknowledge that these election results bring uncertainty for many people. If thinking about the future makes you anxious, avoid doomscrolling and try to focus on the present. If you feel alone, pick up a phone and talk with a loved one or colleague, or find comfort in music, poems or community. If you’re worried about how a friend or loved one might be feeling, reach out and check in. And if you’re interested in building bridges and joining us to reimagine the path forward for the upstream movement, let us know and stay engaged.

These are turbulent times. Remember to put on your oxygen mask. Breathe deeply. Care for yourself and then each other. There will be work to do when you’re ready.

In solidarity,

Rishi Manchanda, MD, MPH.                                   Sadena Thevarajah, JD