In 2023, then U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a report titled “The Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
It found that many Americans lack social connection, which can contribute to poor mental and physical health. According to the report, “loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29% respectively.”
A program in Springfield has been helping people find social connections – and a purpose for eight years…