Loneliness, Social Isolation & Social Connection

Lacking social connection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. 

 

This statistic has been repeated by news outlets, government talks, and even a Netflix series. But where does this comparison originate? It's rooted in a noteworthy study led by CCMC's CM Learning Network guest speaker, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, and her dedicated research team. 

Did you know social connection is directly tied to one's health? 

Our lack of social connection is creating an “epidemic of loneliness” that threatens our individual and collective health. That’s not just a general observation: It comes directly from the US Surgeon General. The 82-page report from his office - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - articulates the problem and identifies solutions. 

The healing effects of social connection and community in
the context of well-being are the centerpiece of the first
webinar in this year’s Commission for Case Manager Certification® 
CMLearning Network webinar series
, featuring 
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., professor of psychology and
neuroscience and director of the Social Connection &
Health Lab at Brigham Young University. 

Holt-Lunstad served as the lead scientific editor of the recent U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, which calls out these risk factors as a profound threat to national health and well-being. Hailed as an epidemic, isolation and loneliness have a ripple effect in society, affecting people and organizations with consequences such as reduced performance and productivity. 

CCMC is proud to offer the following webinar, podcast, and issue brief to both professional case managers and a broader audience. By taking advantage of these resources,  case managers will better understand the health consequences of loneliness and they will be empowered to prioritize interventions, leverage family and community support; and, identify ways in which they can connect those they serve to important community resources, support groups, and social services. As a network organization of the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM)Change Maker Campaign for Health Workforce Well-Being, the Commission is committed to advancing solutions that address rising rates of stress and emotional exhaustion within the health workforce.  

How Can Social Connection and Community  
Impact the Health of Our Clients? 

 

Presented by: 
Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D. 
Professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University