Back in May, The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, an 82-page report that laid out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, which has never been implemented before in the United States. Here in the Chelan Valley and in North Central Washington, the organization that has taken the lead in bringing attention to loneliness and isolation issues is Only 7 Seconds. It's executive director is Luke Wall:
Loneliness was never brought up much before the COVID pandemic pretty much shut down not only business but social activity. But studies show it hasn't gone away after COVID, and Wall says it seems to have only gotten worse:
Recently, Only 7 Seconds held a fundraiser at Chelan Valley Farms, which Wall called a success:
Only 7 Seconds is now starting a fundraising campaign, looking for 150 people to join what they're calling “The Collective” before July 31st. More information is available at only7seconds.com.