Congressmen Flood & Trone Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Measure Scope of Loneliness Epidemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood and Congressman David Trone (D-MD) introduced the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act. Earlier this year, the Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic in America. 

In a significant first step to combat loneliness and isolation federally, the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act brings subject matter experts, researchers, and various stakeholders to unify existing efforts to increase social connection. 

“Increased mobility and digital living have accelerated community fragmentation and underlie the epidemic,” said Congressman Flood. “As I’ve traveled the district, elderly residents in rural Nebraska have shared stories about loneliness, and it often leads to poor health outcomes. The Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act is a first step towards getting our arms around the scope of this epidemic so we can support solutions that work. Thank you to my colleague Rep. Trone and to Senator Ricketts for helping lead this important work.”

"As our nation continues to grapple with declining mental health, it's vital that we are equipped with the right data to turn the tide on this worsening epidemic," said Congressman Trone, co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. "The Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act will help us provide clear measurements and definitions of loneliness, which can help us better address and treat the impacts to folks’ mental and physical health. With this bill, we are improving lives one step at a time."

“Senior Americans are facing more loneliness than ever. This has devastating public health consequences,” said Senator Ricketts. “We need accurate data to guide our policy response. My Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act is a solid step toward restoring the benefits of community and improving health outcomes for our seniors.”

Bill text can be found here. A one-pager on the bill can be found here. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate. Earlier this week, Politico previewed the introduction of the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act here.

Multiple groups have endorsed this legislation including the American Association of Suicidology, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, National Association for County Behavioral Health and Disability Directors, and National Association for Rural Mental Health.

"The Coalition is proud to support Representative Flood and his introduced legislation to advance our knowledge base on social isolation and loneliness, paving the way for future efforts to secure national surveillance of these pervasive issues. We look forward to working with his office to encourage bipartisan support and ensure the passage of this legislation." - Jillian Racoosin, Executive Director of the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness

Earlier this year, Congressman Flood introduced a resolution highlighting the loneliness epidemic in America. Read more about the resolution here