California established a Social Health Council to address social disconnection and loneliness as urgent public health issues, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced following an international summit at the Vatican.
The two-day summit, co-hosted with Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, brought together scientists, academics, doctors, faith leaders, and state officials from multiple continents to examine social connection as a vital health metric.
California launched the Social Health Council in August 2026 with co-chairs California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. The council will develop strategies to strengthen belonging and social connection across the state through expanded gathering spaces in libraries and state parks, a state service corps, and a wellness initiative called Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind.
The summit highlighted research showing that loneliness and social isolation carry health risks comparable to smoking and obesity. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people worldwide experience loneliness, with young people among the most affected. The WHO estimates loneliness is associated with approximately 870,000 deaths annually.
Following the summit, the First Partner's office and Chancellor Suárez-Orozco plan to publish a white paper presenting findings and recommendations for advancing social connection as a public health priority globally.