Sen. Chris Murphy has introduced legislation designed to launch what the Connecticut Democrat called “a national strategy to combat America”™s epidemic of loneliness and promote social connection in our communities.”
Murphy”™s proposed National Strategy for Social Connection Act would create an Office of Social Connection Policy within the White House that would coordinate with multiple federal agencies to develop strategies that would improve social infrastructure. The new office would generate national guidelines for social connection that are similar to the existing guidelines on sleep, nutrition and physical activity.
The new office would also provide funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to better understand the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. Murphy noted the recent advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declaring loneliness a public health epidemic.
“Loneliness is one of the most serious, misunderstood problems facing America today,” said Murphy, adding that his legislation “provides a starting point for a national, government-wide strategy for tackling loneliness. This crisis transcends traditional political boundaries, presenting a chance to bring together right and left around a project to help people find connectedness. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Congress plays a part in the solution.”
