In honor of Global Loneliness Awareness Week
(June 10-16), the Coalition to End
Social Isolation and Loneliness unites thought leaders and
policymakers from around the world to tackle the pressing crisis of
social isolation and loneliness
WASHINGTON, June 11,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Loneliness has reached epidemic
levels globally, with 1 in 4 adults experiencing this issue.
In the United States, the crisis
is even more alarming: over half of Americans report feeling
lonely, and community engagement is plummeting. The need to foster
social connection is more critical than ever. In recognition
of Global Loneliness Awareness Week (June
10-16), the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
(CESIL) is engaged in several opportunities to bring awareness and
ignite action for a situation described as a public health
crisis.
"Nobody deserves to feel so alone and
isolated that their health suffers". Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
In a powerful collaboration with Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, they are hosting the
3rd annual Global Loneliness Awareness Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit provides an
opportunity to hear from thought leaders and policymakers and
allows participants to add their voices to the conversation through
small group discussions and networking opportunities. This
collective effort includes CESIL members from diverse national
organizations—healthcare payors, providers, consumers, employers,
entrepreneurs, and academics—who are also actively engaging with
policymakers on Capitol Hill this week.
"This year's summit sparks creativity and innovation,
addressing the urgent crisis of social isolation and loneliness. We
aim to mobilize leaders to take action with evidence-based
solutions that create and strengthen connected communities,"
said Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier,
MPH, Executive Director of the Coalition to End Social Isolation
and Loneliness.
The summit highlights how social connections can improve public
health, boost civic engagement, and build resilient communities
that support everyone's well-being. Participants will share
resources, find ways to work together and educate the public about
the importance of staying connected. The goal is to spark a new
cultural movement centered on connection and positive social
values.
"Nobody deserves to feel so alone and isolated that
their health suffers. We are more connected now than ever before –
yet loneliness prevails," said Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). "The Global Loneliness
Awareness Summit will shine a light on how we can invest
in programs that foster social connection and improve our
well-being, and I am glad to join with other leaders working
to address this public health crisis."
Highlights of the program include:
- Insightful remarks addressing policy implications and
priorities surrounding social isolation, loneliness, and social
connection from leaders of the WHO Global Commission on Social
Connection, global policy researchers, and esteemed U.S.
policymakers and practitioners. They will address the policy
implications and priorities surrounding social isolation,
loneliness, and social connection.
- Engaging in panel discussions on creating a culture of
connection, these conversations will feature firsthand perspectives
from communities grappling with social isolation and loneliness,
especially among vulnerable populations. They will also explore the
relationship between the built environment and social connection,
as well as strategies for integrating connection values into
leadership roles.
- Bipartisan leaders such as Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives
Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Mike Flood (R-NE) will present their
perspectives, priorities, and visions for how the U.S. can develop
innovative policies, systems, and solutions to bolster social
connection nationally.
- Interactive small group sessions fostering peer-to-peer
knowledge exchange and dialogue surrounding the CESIL policy
objectives for the upcoming year.
- A fireside chat with Yung Pueblo, a New
York Times bestselling author, meditation practitioner, and
poet renowned for his transformative insights into authentic living
and emotional well-being.
On June 12th, CESIL members will
head to Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the issue and advocate
for crucial policy reforms. Their goal is to address the crisis of
social isolation and loneliness, ensuring that all Americans have
equal access to social engagement opportunities and support
systems.
The Global Loneliness Awareness Summit will be held today at the
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg
Center in Washington, D.C. The
event will be held both in person and virtually and is scheduled
from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM ET. To learn
more about the summit and get additional details, please visit the
Coalition's website. If you'd like to participate virtually, you
can register for the event by clicking here.
About the Coalition to End Social Isolation and
Loneliness
Since its founding in 2018, the Coalition to End Social
Isolation & Loneliness has been advocating for policy
change that addresses the detrimental effects of social isolation
and loneliness. The Coalition represents over 50 of the most
influential consumer groups, patient advocates, health plans,
community-based organizations, behavioral health groups, and
private sector innovators in the United
States, all who share a mission to create a more socially
connected nation. Through disseminating research findings, leading
public awareness, and advocating for legislative and regulatory
interventions, the Coalition envisions a society where every
individual will one day have the opportunities and support
necessary to be socially engaged. For more information, please
visit: endsocialisolation.org
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SOURCE Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness