SE Nebraska News

U.S. Congressmen Mike Flood and Ami Bera have introduced a bipartisan bill titled the “Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.” This legislation seeks to standardize how loneliness and isolation are measured across the United States. The initiative follows a previous declaration by the former U.S. Surgeon General, identifying loneliness and isolation as a public health epidemic.

Congressman Flood stated, "Increased mobility and digital living have accelerated community fragmentation and underlie the epidemic." He noted that residents in Nebraska frequently share stories about loneliness leading 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," he added, expressing gratitude to Congressman Bera for his collaboration.

Congressman Ami Bera, who is also a medical doctor, emphasized the serious impact of loneliness on health: "As a doctor, I have seen firsthand how loneliness and social isolation take a serious toll on both physical and mental health—contributing to chronic disease, mental health struggles and even premature death." He further stressed that this issue requires coordinated action: "This isn’t just a social issue; it’s a public health crisis that demands a coordinated response."

The proposed act instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to form a working group comprising experts and stakeholders. This group will be tasked with recommending standardized measurements and definitions of loneliness and isolation. While these issues have been acknowledged as an epidemic in the United States, little has been done since their initial recognition. The bill aims to serve as a foundation for future policy efforts aimed at addressing this widespread problem.

The full text of the “Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act” is available for review.