WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday noted growing support for the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, legislation he introduced last week to combat America’s epidemic of loneliness and promote social connection in our communities.

The National Strategy for Social Connection Act would create an Office of Social Connection Policy within the White House to work across federal agencies to develop effective strategies for improved social infrastructure and issue national guidelines for social connection similar to existing guidelines on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. It would also provide funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness.

Below is a roundup of support from non-profits, companies, and advocacy organizations:

“We have a crisis of connection on our hands. More than half of U.S. adults (58%) are considered lonely. Social connection is a protective factor and a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter. We commend the Senator for his leadership on addressing this issue through introducing legislation to support national coordination, research, and public awareness. We look forward to working together to ensure the passage of this critical legislation,” said Jillian Racoosin, MPH, Executive Director of the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness.

"Social connection is in Eventbrite’s DNA and is more important than ever. We strongly support this legislation and share its nonpartisan goal of elevating social connection as a public health priority,” said Julia Hartz, Co-Founder and CEO of Eventbrite.

“For more than five decades, Meals on Wheels has been delivering nutritious meals, social connection, safety and more to older Americans at greatest risk of hunger and isolation. We commend Senator Murphy for his leadership and swift action introducing the National Strategy for Social Connection Act in response to the Surgeon General’s Advisory declaring loneliness and isolation a public health epidemic. We are eager to work together to enact this important legislation and are proud to continue to promote healthier, happier, and more connected communities one knock, one meal and one smile at a time,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.

“This proposed legislation is an important step to reduce loneliness and its devastating effects and improve the mental, physical, and social health of Americans of all ages. As the CEO of For All Ages, the nonprofit organization convening The Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness, I applaud Senator Murphy’s leadership on this issue,” said Deb Bibbins, CEO of For All Ages, The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness.

"SMART Recovery is one of the nation's leading science-based peer support organizations providing care and support for individuals with substance use disorders. We wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorse Senator Chris Murphy's urgently needed National Strategy for Social Connection Act. The bill will provide needed attention to the crises of lack of social connection, loneliness, and the decline of community support in this country, severe problems that have contributed to the mental health crisis we face,” said David Koss, Director of Government Relation of SMART Recovery.

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