US Surgeon General highlights the need for more social connection
Dr. Vivek Murthy has created a Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection. It details critical and actionable next steps that individuals, communities, organizations, and governments can take to foster increased health and well-being.

Recently, the Office of the US Surgeon General posted an advisory to warn against the impacts our increasingly isolated societies are having on human health and well-being.
Though this Framework is focused on the United States, the underlying research and recommendations are applicable in a Canadian context. Hey Neighbour Collective staff and partners have been part of growing cross-sectoral conversations across BC and Canada that are fostering a movement of organizations working towards similar policy attention north of the 49th parallel.
The interactive website offers key takeaways from the advisory, as well as actionable steps we can all take to foster greater social connection among our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours.
The takeaways
- Humans are wired for social connection, but we’ve become more isolated over time
- Social connection significantly improves the health and well-being of all individuals
- Social connection is vital to community health and success
- Together, we can advance social connection and improve our nation’s public health
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