Thurston County declares social isolation as a public health crisis

The Thurston County Board of Health (BOH) officially declared loneliness, isolation, and the lack of social and emotional connections as a public health crisis.  

The declaration, adopted on Tuesday, Dec. 10, directs the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services to lead the response to the crisis. 

 This includes assessing the availability of monetary and human resources to encourage social connection efforts, improving awareness of social connectedness strategies, and implementing a comprehensive media campaign.   

The campaign, titled "Social Connectedness & Prevention of Isolation," aims to encourage social connection and prevent isolation through the use of a dedicated website and social media. 

The declaration follows the May 2023 release of "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, The Surgeon General Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community" by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.  

The advisory underscores the significant health risks associated with poor social connections, including increased risks of depression, dementia, heart disease, stroke and premature death. 

The BOH's resolution points to data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which revealed that 13.3% of Thurston County adults always or usually feel isolated.  

Additionally, 9.1% reported they rarely or never receive the necessary social and emotional support.  

The board’s proclamation acknowledged the disproportionate impact of social isolation on vulnerable populations, including individuals with poor physical or mental health, disabilities, financial insecurities, single parents, seniors, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. 

The BOH called on stakeholders, community organizations and residents to adopt comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to improve social connections.  

The initiative is supported by various community partners, including the South Sound YMCA, United Way of Thurston County, Timberland Regional Libraries and Senior Services for South Sound.