Q3 Updates: A Watershed Moment in the Mission against Loneliness
In the second half of 2023, we are witnessing a watershed moment in how US healthcare is recognizing the urgency to tackle the epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation across the nation.
In May 2023, the US Surgeon General issued the Advisory about the Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation, firmly arguing that “Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter.”
Last week, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced legislation titled “The National Strategy for Social Connection Act,” which would create an Office of Social Connection Policy within the White House and provide significant funding to address loneliness nationwide.
Today, 50% of American adults suffer from loneliness and its devastating impact on health outcomes, costs, and engagement, which include:
- 2x risk of developing depression and anxiety
- 30% increased risk for heart disease and stroke
- Lower engagement in clinical programs and adherence to treatment plans
- $154B in additional costs for employers and $6.7B for Medicare Advantage plans.
Since 2018, our company, Wisdo Health, has been working tirelessly to combat the devastating effect of loneliness. We are proud to be the only digital health solution referenced in the US Surgeon General report.
Today, Wisdo is the only platform with engagement and retention rates that are 20x the standard for digital behavioral health solutions, as well empirical studies showing the efficacy of our peer support and social health platform in reducing loneliness, social isolation, depression, and anxiety while increasing quality of life among adults ages 18-80 including those with Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Commercial plans, and Low Income Subsidy.