Statement of Commitment: NorCal Coalition for Social Connection

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory identified social isolation and loneliness as an epidemic. The health risks are severe, with isolation linked to increased risk of premature death, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and dementia.

Experts at the University of California-San Francisco founded the Northern California Coalition for Social Connection to reduce loneliness among older adults. The coalition’s organizations offer services such as peer support, day centers, medical care, housing assistance, and more. These efforts, along with social connection research, have paved the way for us to address social isolation and loneliness as tangible and important public health issues.

Today, social connection has never been more important, along with our commitment to serving all people in our communities. As a coalition, we remain focused on three main goals: (1) building an infrastructure of social connection services for all; (2) raising awareness of social isolation and loneliness as critical public health issues; and (3) becoming a trusted source for research, news, and engagement opportunities. In the coming months, we plan to roll out initiatives such as digital campaigns, a resource hub, and guides for discussing social isolation and loneliness.

You can support our coalition’s efforts to increase social connection in the following ways:

• Read the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General Advisory Report on Social Isolation and Loneliness.
• Sign up for our coalition’s quarterly newsletter to learn about new social connection research and initiatives. If you are interested in joining our coalition, fill out this interest form.
• Volunteer with local organizations that address social isolation and loneliness.
• Visit the nationally-focused Foundation for Social Connection’s ‘Take Action’ page, and stay up to date with local efforts by locating your Community of Practice.
• Advocate for federal funding of public health research and programming support by contacting your elected officials. Read the University of California’s ‘Guide to Calling Your Legislators’ for support.

Most importantly, you can advance social connection by reaching outward, rather than inward. A quick phone call, coffee chat, or check-in fosters community care. As former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy writes in his Parting Prescription for America: “It is up to us to reject the pessimism and animosity of our time and instead choose courage and hope. The choice we make to build community has the power to change lives and transform society.”

In partnership,

The Northern California Coalition for Social Connection at UCSF

Full membership listed here. Please contact Coalition Director Nandini Singh at [email protected] with any questions or comments.