Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Combating Loneliness Act (CLA) to address the acute mental health and loneliness crisis in America. The Combating Loneliness Act is co-led by Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), chair of the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus.

The CLA tackles the mental health crisis through community-focused approaches. To truly bring communities together, it is essential the federal government fund the organizations that already provide low-barrier support to those struggling with their mental health. Americans need an all-hands-on deck approach to combating loneliness and creating healthier and happier communities. 

The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy cites that having poor or insufficient connection can result in a “29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.” Long-term social isolation has proven more dangerous to one’s health than smoking. 

“The research is clear: we need social support for our emotional and physical health, and when we don’t have it, we suffer. Loneliness and social isolation have negative effects on us, more than just socially. The loneliness epidemic affects many of us, but it is profoundly seen in rural areas, our senior communities, and among young people,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Social isolation is increasingly damaging to civic engagement and our democracy, as well. Our feelings of loneliness and isolation fuel anger and distrust in politics. And our loneliness is being manipulated to drive extremist ideologies. This needs our attention.”

“For many of us, the holidays are a time of togetherness – a moment to connect with neighbors, friends, and loved ones in the joyous season of peace and love,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “Yet for far too many, the holidays mark a lonely, isolated time without the companionship and comfort of community. We can and must take action to address this epidemic of loneliness – our legislation does the job. I’m honored to join my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Balint in introducing this legislation and I thank her for her leadership to foster social engagement, connection, and support for our communities.”

This legislation supports the excellent work being done at the community level to increase social connection and mental wellbeing for all Americans. 

• Social infrastructure: This legislation invests in physical infrastructure that creates social connection through playgrounds, community gardens, recreation areas, and bike lanes. This bill also bolsters our “third-spaces” such as libraries, recreation centers, veteran service organizations, and senior centers so that they can expand their services with a focus on social connection. 

• Public health: Mental health care for communities and the health care workers that take care of us are both essential components of ending the loneliness crisis. The CLA bolsters the community health workforce, reauthorizes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, funds mental health support groups, and encourages peer mental health first aid training, Additionally, this legislation creates new grants for mental health providers and extends pandemic-era programs that prevent burnout of healthcare providers.

• Youth mental health: The CLA prioritizes youth mental health and social connection through increasing funding to existing mental health programs in schools, access to school-based health services and after-school programs.

See the full section-by-section here. 

It is critical the CLA be implemented alongside other initiatives that promote stronger, healthier communities including universal health care, paid family leave for all, affordable housing and childcare options, and more. 

In the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, Surgeon General Murthy writes “We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation. It will take all of us—individuals and families, schools and workplaces, health care and public health systems, technology companies, governments, faith organizations, and communities—working together to destigmatize loneliness and change our cultural and policy response to it.”

This bill is endorsed by: The Kennedy Forum, The Foundation for Social Connection Action Network, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

"Rep. Balint’s bill is a bold step to address the urgent challenges of social isolation and loneliness in the U.S., aligning closely with our broad coalition’s vision and priorities. Its investments in social infrastructure—like playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, and senior centers—are a powerful commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. The focus on supporting the health care workforce through mental health provider loan forgiveness and burnout prevention is equally impactful. And, by including a GAO study on social isolation, a working group on measurement, and grants for outreach to at-risk individuals, this bill demonstrates a thoughtful and transformative approach to creating a more connected and compassionate society. We thank Rep. Balint for her leadership and look forward to ensuring passage of this critical legislation," said Andrew MacPherson, Founder & Board Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network.

See bill text here. 

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