The Loneliness Epidemic and the Power of Human Connection
This Town Hall explores why loneliness and isolation are increasing, how they affect individuals and society, and what we can do to rebuild connection and belonging in families, workplaces, schools, and communities.
Groundbreaking research shows that chronic loneliness and social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and significantly increase the risk of early death. Loneliness is now recognized as one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time, affecting mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing across all ages and communities.
Event Details
February 19th
Silicon Slopes Headquarters
2600 W Executive Pkwy, Suite 140
Lehi, Utah 84043
Lunch served from 12:00 to 12:30 PM
Speakers from 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Town Hall Speakers
Dr. Julianne Holt Lunstad - We are honored to welcome Dr. Holt Lunstad as our keynote speaker. She is one of the world's leading scientific authorities on loneliness, social connection, and health. Her research helped establish loneliness and social isolation as serious risk factors for early mortality and reshaped how public health systems worldwide understand the importance of human connection.
She served as the lead scientific editor for the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory and National Strategy on Social Connection, has advised organizations including the World Health Organization, the CDC, and the National Academy of Sciences, and has provided expert testimony to the U.S. Congress. Her work continues to influence policy, healthcare, and community strategies around the globe.
Brandy Vega, Founder, Promise2Live - Why Promise2Live exists and how the power of a promise, real connection, and community save lives. Brandy will share the Promise2Live framework, the Unplug and Hug initiative, and why stepping away from screens and toward people is not only good for mental health but critical for preventing loneliness, isolation, and suicide.
Dr. Dave Morgan, Doctor of Mental Health - How loneliness and isolation impact mental health and the warning signs families, schools, and leaders should recognize.
James Brown, Founder, Living With Pride - James will share his perspective on loneliness and connection through the lens of lived experience, aging, and identity. At 80 years old, he brings a powerful voice to what it means to create belonging later in life and why connection, purpose, and community matter at every stage of life. https://livingwithpride.org/
Who Should Attend
Business and community leaders, educators, school administrators, students and families, clinicians, mental health advocates, and anyone who cares about belonging, connection, and saving lives. Whether you are supporting others, leading an organization, or navigating loneliness yourself, this conversation will provide insight, perspective, and practical ways to strengthen connection and protect mental health.
Thank you to our Town Hall Sponsor Luis Vega with Simultrayd and Lunch Sponsor Suzy Gustafson with Unrivaled Travel Experiences
Free Event. Everyone Welcome!
Get Involved - Sponsor lunch or an event and help us bring life-saving education to our community. Please Contact:
Brandy Vega - Founder, Promise2Live
[email protected]
801-637-5416
www.Promise2Live.org
Event Contact: Barb Dill
[email protected] |
801-602-2902
