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. Â
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
