Weld County commissioners proclaim January as Acts of Connection Month

Published on January 15, 2025

Staff from the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment stand with the board of commissioners.

Recognizing the urgent need to address loneliness and its impact on public health, the Weld County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed January 2025 as Acts of Connection Month. This initiative, led by Thriving Weld and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE), aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of social isolation, and encourage community members to take meaningful steps to foster connections.

Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults experience loneliness, a condition that has far-reaching consequences on physical, mental and emotional health. According to the U.S. surgeon general, the health risks associated with social disconnection are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness has been linked to increased risks of depression, substance use disorders, chronic diseases and diminished productivity in workplaces, schools and civic organizations.

“Although we are more connected than ever digitally, we are also becoming more disconnected,” said Dannon G. Cox, community health education professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, in remarks to the county commissioners. “In the past 20 years, we have spent about 24 fewer hours per month with family and friends, and this isolation is impacting all generations.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the WCDPHE website, www.weldhealth.org, to learn more about Acts of Connection and the resources and opportunities available to build connections. From joining community programs to simply reaching out to a neighbor, small acts can make a big difference in reducing isolation and improving overall well-being.