Department Co-Hosts Conversation with U.S. Surgeon General and Governor on Loneliness, Resiliency, and Reaching Out for Help

October 10, 2024

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) joined Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on September 27 for a panel discussion about building resilience through human connection.

The event, held at the University of Southern Maine's Hannaford Hall in Portland, was opened with remarks by DHHS Acting Commissioner Sara Gagné-Holmes and moderated by former DHHS Commissioner, Jeanne Lambrew. Sarah Squirrell, the Department's Director of the Office of Behavioral Health served as a panelist alongside the Governor and U.S. Surgeon General. The event included live ASL interpretation.

In 2020, Dr. Murthy published his book, "Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World," which detailed his own experience with loneliness as a child. It highlighted related research that shows people who suffer from loneliness are more likely to be depressed, at risk of dying by suicide, and have a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

The panel conversation followed the Surgeon General's book and recent advisory on the danger that growing rates of loneliness and isolation pose to public health. The conversation underscored existing and emerging efforts by the State to better support Maine people in the wake of challenges such as the tragic shooting in Lewiston nearly a year ago and the devastating winter storms that impacted people across the state last winter.

Maine faces unique challenges as the least-densely populated state east of the Mississippi River. In their remarks, Acting Commissioner Gagné-Holmes and Governor Mills both acknowledged that Maine people are "hardy" and "fiercely independent" but emphasized the importance of reaching out for help, whether to family, friends, and neighbors or to resources such as StrengthenME.com, 211 Maine, or for those in crisis, by calling or texting 988.

The Office of Behavioral Health administers several programs that aim to connect individuals and families with Departmental and community-level supports. Director Squirrell shared details about the recently launched Be There for ME Campaign that, in partnership with the Maine Child Welfare Action Network (MCWAN), was developed with a diverse group of parents and caregivers, as well as many community organizations.

Be There for ME reflects the types of support parents and caregivers of children of all ages said they need and connects parents and caregivers to resources to start to find support for family needs, including housing, getting everyday items, childcare, and dealing with stress.

Everyone -- from state and community organizations, to neighbors, friends, and colleagues play a crucial role in reducing loneliness. You can watch the entire discussion below.