Social Isolation and Loneliness Awareness Week

This event will be held monthly to connect others who have an interest in creating a more socially connected community and want to share their ideas. This week has been declared by Gov. Evers as Social Isolation and Loneliness Week.

The event will start with an ice breaker, then short summary about the crisis of loneliness and loneliness we are experiencing the nation, what we're up to, and then ask participants to provide their experience and ideas they have for how we can address it in our community, in smaller groups, and with the whole group.

More facts and some example questions that may be asked are below, along with the full proclamation text of the Governor.

The US Surgeon General has classified social isolation and loneliness a public health crisis, with over half of all Americans experiencing measurable levels of loneliness.

• Chronic loneliness is a greater threat to health than smoking and alcohol abuse and 2x as harmful as obesity.
• Chronic loneliness increases the risk of stroke and heart disease by 30%; is linked depression, poor sleep, cognitive decline, impaired immunity, and increases in suicide.
• Social connection is so important that we are 50% less likely to die prematurely with strong social connections.
• Isolation and loneliness has led to reduced trust in gov, among neighbors, rise in hate groups, and lack of belonging.
• Social isolation is the most important indicator leading to attacks by mass shooters.
• Loneliness and isolation are not personal problems; they are societal ones.
• See https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

To best serve the community on this issue, we are asking people in Milwaukee County to share their thoughts with us. Questions may be taken from the following:

• What makes it easier for people to socially connect in our community?
• What things make you feel like you are welcome and belong in our community?
• What is driving social isolation, loneliness, and other forms of disconnection in our community?
• What things make you feel like you don't belong in our community?
• What does social connection look, feel, and sound like to you in our community?
• What elements of social connection are most important to you?
• Who is most socially isolated and lonely in your community?
• Where should The Social Connection Circle direct our focus to meet those most at risk for social isolation and loneliness?
• What are some things our community could do to make it easier to meet people and make lasting connections?
• Which solutions can we get started on today?

Proclamation of the Office of the Governor

Whereas; the US Surgeon General has classified social isolation and loneliness a public health crisis, with over half of all Americans experiencing measurable levels of loneliness; and

Whereas; while people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can experience social isolation and loneliness, research shows that older adults and people with disabilities -- especially those with intersecting marginalized identities are more likely to experience high levels of loneliness; and

Whereas; according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk for physical, emotional, and psychological health impacts, including increased depressive symptoms, cognitive decline, risk for heart disease, premature death, stroke, and dementia; and;

Whereas; according to the Wisconsin Department of Health (DHS), Wisconsinites have Wisconsinites have expressed a desire for their communities to be more socially connected, including individuals and groups, virtual and face to face, community events, civic engagement, and establishing communities that re more inclusive of and welcoming to people of all characteristics and abilities; and

Whereas today, the state of Wisconsin affirms its commitment to supporting all Wisconsinites who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness, and older adults and people with disabilities, in particular, and joins advocates and organizations across the public and private sectors in raising awareness of and engaging in interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in the state.

Therefore, I Governor Tony Evers, proclaim Nov 12-18 Social Isolation and Loneliness Week