Bluffton, South Carolina resident Kendra Stearns Drozd is encouraging individuals and communities to take simple, intentional steps to strengthen human connection and combat the growing loneliness epidemic.

The Impact of Loneliness

Drozd, a commissioned Stephen Minister, former executive recruiter, and longtime community volunteer, believes that small acts of connection can make a significant difference in emotional well-being. She draws on more than a decade of experience providing one-on-one emotional and spiritual support to individuals facing grief, illness, divorce, loss, and life transitions.

The issue has become increasingly urgent in recent years. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning that loneliness and social isolation have become a major public health concern. Research has linked chronic loneliness to increased risks of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature death.

Community Solutions

Drozd believes communities can play a powerful role in reducing loneliness by encouraging more face-to-face interaction, volunteerism, mentorship, and neighborly support. She encourages people to take simple steps to strengthen connections in their own communities, such as reaching out to a friend or family member, scheduling regular in-person conversations, volunteering with local organizations or faith communities, and checking in on neighbors.

Mental health experts increasingly agree that strong social connections can improve resilience, reduce stress, support better physical health, and contribute to longer life expectancy. Drozd hopes the conversation around loneliness continues to evolve beyond statistics and focuses more on practical action.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.