Editor’s note: The holidays are a particularly lonely time of year for many people. Rep. Balint’s bill addresses a real problem and offers government-based solutions. What do you think about the problem, its causes, her proposed solutions, and (if any) better alternatives? Please respond via online comments below. Or, send a letter to the editor at news@vermontdailychronicle.com.
by Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vermont)
I’m proud to announce that this week I introduced a bill to combat loneliness in Vermont and across the country, the Combating Loneliness Act. Loneliness and social isolation are harmful, and not just socially. The loneliness epidemic affects many of us, but it is profoundly seen in rural areas, our senior communities, and among young people.
The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy cites that having poor or insufficient connection can result in a “29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.” In fact, long-term social isolation is more dangerous to one’s health than smoking.
The Combating Loneliness Act tackles the mental health crisis through community-focused approaches. To truly bring our communities together, I believe it’s essential the federal government fund the organizations that already provide low-barrier support to those struggling with their mental health.
This legislation will support the work being done at the community level to increase social connection and mental wellbeing for all Americans.
- Social infrastructure: This legislation invests in physical infrastructure that creates social connection such as playgrounds, community gardens, recreation areas, and bike lanes. This bill also bolsters our “third-spaces” such as libraries, recreation centers, veteran service organizations, and senior centers so that they can expand their services with a focus on social connection.
- Public health: Mental health care for communities and the health care workers that take care of us are both essential components of ending the loneliness crisis. The Combating Loneliness Act bolsters the community health workforce, reauthorizes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, funds mental health support groups, and encourages peer support workers. Additionally, this legislation creates new grants for mental health providers and extends pandemic-era programs that work to prevent burnout of healthcare providers.
- Youth mental health: The Combating Loneliness Act prioritizes youth mental health and social connection through increasing funding to existing mental health programs in schools, access to school-based health services and after-school programs.
It is critical the Combating Loneliness Act be implemented alongside other initiatives that promote stronger, healthier communities including universal health care, paid family leave for all, affordable housing and childcare options, and more.
In the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, he writes “We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation. It will take all of us—individuals and families, schools and workplaces, health care and public health systems, technology companies, governments, faith organizations, and communities—working together to destigmatize loneliness and change our cultural and policy response to it.”
I believe we need an all-hands-on deck approach to combating loneliness and ensuring we have healthier and happier communities.