First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom has launched California's inaugural Social Health Council, aiming to elevate social connection as a public health priority and combat loneliness across the state. This new council unites leaders from state and local government, academia, tribal, faith, and community organizations to develop a comprehensive roadmap for fostering belonging among Californians.
"California has never been afraid to lead, and on an issue as fundamental as human connection, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to show the rest of the country what is possible," First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said. She added that the council builds on the "California Love, California Strong" initiative to integrate social connection into daily life.
The initiative addresses growing research highlighting the severe impact of loneliness and social isolation on well-being. The World Health Organization reports that one in six people globally experience loneliness, contributing to approximately 870,000 deaths annually. Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, emphasized, "Building a healthier California for all means strengthening the social foundations that help people and communities thrive."
The Social Health Council will focus on three key goals: raising awareness of loneliness as a public health issue, creating a forum for cross-sector collaboration, and developing a roadmap to implement WHO recommendations for strengthening social connection. California already possesses numerous community spaces like libraries, parks, and schools, alongside mental health resources such as BrightLife Kids and Soluna, and the nation's largest service corps.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday noted the importance of service in an increasingly screen-dominated world. "By serving our communities and working together, we can strengthen California’s social health and turn the tide for people across the state," Fryday said. The California Service Corps, for instance, contributed over 6 million hours in 2024-2025, supporting environmental efforts, education, and disaster relief, thereby actively rebuilding social networks and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
The council, co-chaired by First Partner Siebel Newsom, Secretary Kim Johnson, and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday, includes a diverse group of state and local government officials, community and tribal leaders, and academics. Their collective expertise will guide efforts to make everyday connections easier, from enhancing community programming to expanding opportunities for volunteering and intergenerational interaction.