SPEAKER: Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD
Professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University
Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad currently serves as a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience while also directing the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University and was the lead scientific editor for the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” She has an adjunct professorship at Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute Swinburne University of Technology; Melbourne, Australia; and is the founding Scientific Chair for the US Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness and the Foundation for Social Connection. Her research about the impact of social connection on health outcomes has been highly cited and her research includes data from more than 300,000 participants worldwide. Her research and writing have been featured across the globe on major media networks such as CNN, NPR, The New York Times, Forbes and BBC News.
WEBINAR DESCRIPTION:
Loneliness and isolation have emerged as significant challenges affecting individuals' overall health and well-being. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, released an 85-page advisory declaring loneliness a new public health epidemic in the United States and stated, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.”
Because case managers serve as advocates for their clients' overall health and well-being, particularly during transitions of care (hospital to home, home to nursing home, rehab center back to work, etc.) their understanding of the health risks and impact of loneliness and isolation is essential. Through this course, case managers will understand the health consequences of loneliness and they will be empowered to prioritize interventions, leverage family and community support and identify ways in which they can connect persons they serve to important community resources, support groups, and social services as these persons seek to engage, reengage, or build and maintain meaningful social connections.
Meaningful social connections are essential in order to create a culture of belonging. Today’s case managers must be equipped offer support and resources to persons they serve, while educating family members and other team members about the vital role and link between strong social connections and health. Addressing the need for more mental, physical and social well-being will better equip today’s case manager to offer a more comprehensive and client-centered approach to care, ultimately enhancing the overall health and well-being of their clients.
Additional resources provided at the end of the presentation include:
- NASEM 2020 report
- Meta-Analyses of Mortality Risk
- Social Isolation, Loneliness & Living Alone
- Social Relationships
- Evidence for Social Connection as a Public Health Priority
- Social Connection as a Social Determinant of Health
- Why Social Connection is relevant to health
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After this presentation, the successful participant will be able to:
- Define social connection and community and explain their significance in relation to clients' health.
- Identify the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of loneliness and isolation on overall health.
- Analyze the factors contributing to loneliness and isolation in different populations.
- Explore strategies to foster social connections and build supportive communities for improving client health outcomes.
To earn CE credit, please view the webinar here.