Loneliness Epidemic Facing America in 2023

An epidemic of loneliness is plaguing Americans, jeopardizing well-being, health and sense of belonging. Recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory detailing a framework toward a “National Strategy to Advance Social Connection.” Even before the pandemic, which exacerbated the problem, half of U.S. adults reported feelings of loneliness, the advisory notes. “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health,” Murthy said in the statement. Social connection is vital to a person’s health and well-being, and experts say the national recognition furthers an urgent dialogue on the problem. Read more from USA Today here.