In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared the state of loneliness and social isolation in America as an epidemic. In his words, “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders."

In this NASCA session, Janet Kelly, former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, builds the case for understanding the problem at the highest levels of state government, recognizing the behaviors exhibited by employees, and sharing critical tools to support employees and build connections with state government agencies and departments.

Janet will cover tools for helping employees build friendships, share concerns about mental health, build relationships across social/political boundaries, work through conflict and disagreement within teams, and maintain connection as coworkers. NASCA Leadership Conference attendees will have access to the resource website of the Social Connection Initiative for the rest of 2024.