Can a friend help your overall well-being? Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay thinks so. That’s why the group started Health Buddies, a free program that unites isolated older adults with chronic health conditions and volunteers who connect in one simple way: phone calls. Volunteers + clients are paired up for 12 weeks of structured calls. By connecting over the phone, Health Buddies can discuss health, learn how to self-manage chronic conditions, and find encouragement — and maybe even a new friend. The program expanded to Polk County this year, and 32 Lakeland clients have already been matched. Those who have completed the program reported feeling 25% less distressed than when they began. Right now, Health Buddies has around 17 Polk volunteers, and you can join the ranks by signing up online. Volunteers receive weekly training to best provide support to clients, and they can choose to stay connected after the 12 weeks through the TelePals program…