Today, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has issued an 81-page advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation. In the report, Dr. Murthy outlines the public health concerns related to loneliness and isolation and how supporting social connection can reduce the risk of premature mortality, predict better physical and mental health outcomes and ease stress.

In response, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office has issued a new website announcing a National Strategy for addressing the problem as well as resources for individuals, organizations, communities, and governments to use to take action to strengthen social connection.

As organizations working to become more trauma-informed in policy and practice, I encourage you to reflect on these strategies, identify areas of your work that currently support this national strategy and explore the resources provided to create or strengthen opportunities to build social connections among the people you serve and serve alongside.

If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team by emailing TISCTeam@wichita.edu.