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Bringing people together to improve well-being

Former surgeon general takes on loneliness challenge

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st U.S. surgeon general, met recently with a group of Healthy NewsWorks reporters to discuss his work addressing loneliness and isolation, which he considers a public health threat as great as smoking. Dr. Murthy now leads The Together Project, an initiative to help people reduce loneliness and improve their overall health by strengthening relationships and building community.

Watch the video and read the articles and student reflections below.

See an excerpt of our interview with Dr. Vivek Murthy

Reporters asked Dr. Murthy about what got him interested in loneliness as a health problem, what made a difference for him when he experienced loneliness as a child, and his work through The Together Project to help others build stronger connections.

Dr. Murthy: We need to talk about loneliness for our health

Q&A Part 1: Why loneliness is a health problem

Q&A Part 2: How communities can prevent loneliness

Q&A Part 3: Tips on building social connections

Students reflect on lessons about loneliness

There are ways to help others who are lonely

Benjamin, Adaire Fit Fish

The power of small actions

Cassandra, CPS Healthy Courier

You can spend time alone but still be social

Christian, CPS Healthy Courier

A smile can have a huge impact

Juniper, Adaire Fit Fish

Dr. Murthy asked us questions too, deep ones

Xzavier, CPS Healthy Courier