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Fostering Social Connection: Progress and Opportunities in VA and Beyond
Jay A Gorman1,2, Susan Strickland3, Alan R Teo4,5
1VA Bedford Healthcare System VISN 1 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center Bedford Massachusetts USA.
Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Social isolation and loneliness negatively impact health. Innovative Department of Veterans Affairs programs treat social connection as a health driver, offering models for healthcare systems to foster community engagement and improve well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Social isolation and loneliness pose significant risks to mental and physical health outcomes.
- Addressing social connection is crucial for comprehensive healthcare strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight innovative programs that address social connection as a fundamental health need.
- To provide actionable insights for healthcare systems to catalyze social connection.
Main Methods:
- Review of four key initiatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Socials, Caring Contacts, Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program, and Department of Veterans Affairs S.A.V.E.
- Analysis of program features and their role in fostering social connection.
Main Results:
- Identified key components of successful social connection programs within the VA.
- Demonstrated the potential of healthcare systems to act as catalysts for social connection.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare systems can effectively promote social connection through community engagement and volunteer involvement.
- Scaling evidence-based models and education are vital for widespread impact on health and well-being.
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