New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul, in partnership with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, an intimacy therapist and New York’s honorary Ambassador to Loneliness, has highlighted resources available through State government to improve mental health and combat loneliness, as New Yorkers celebrate Valentine’s Day. These resources offer simple measures New Yorkers can take in their lives – from reaching out to friends to volunteering in their community – to help them and their loved ones avoid and address feelings of loneliness, and to prevent social isolation.
According to Governor Hochul, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to make simple gestures to friends and loved ones to let them know they are in our thoughts, but it is also important to be mindful of those who may feel isolated or alone and take measures to show them we care. Together with Ambassador Ruth, they are letting all New Yorkers know that resources are available to help anyone struggling with feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer urges those who are alone on Valentine’s Day to reach out to a friend and do something enjoyable together, or even consider meeting new people. She, along with Governor Hochul, aims to end the loneliness epidemic in New York and make sure all New Yorkers know they have somewhere to turn for help.
A report by the U.S. Surgeon General issued last spring highlighted an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation spreading nationwide, with about half of U.S. adults experiencing loneliness. This is a problem that doesn’t just affect older adults, but people of all ages.
Dr. Westheimer released a public video promoting simple actions all New Yorkers can take to help stave off a sense of loneliness and prevent social isolation, including reconnecting with friends and loved ones, volunteering in the community, exercising, visiting local museums or the public library, and reaching out to peers online.
To address this issue, Governor Hochul’s $1 billion plan aims to strengthen New York’s continuum of mental health care, which includes investing in outpatient services and expanding the capacity of the state’s crisis call centers.
The Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen emphasized that every community has resources to facilitate social connectedness, and that New Yorkers can make connections for themselves or for someone else who is isolated.
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan reiterated the importance of taking simple steps to help those struggling with depression or anxiety and raising awareness of the resources available to overcome those feelings often associated with loneliness and isolation.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is also taking steps to develop age-friendly communities and build a more robust system of mental health care. This includes creating the state’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging to ensure older New Yorkers can live healthy, fulfilling lives while aging with dignity and independence.
The Governor is seeking input from older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to complete the Master Plan for Aging survey before February 29. This effort aims to ensure that the voices of the community are heard and included in the state’s plans for the future.
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