1 In 3 U.S. Adults Are Lonely, 1 In 4 Have No Social, Emotional Support, Health District Offers Help

BRANFORD, CT — In initiatives created to "share the importance of mental health and well-being in the community," the East Shore Health District invites folks who may be struggling, to stop by the Mobile Public Health Clinic Van on the Branford Town Green Feb. 5 from 12:30 p.m., to 1:30 p.m. There, share a cup of hot cocoa and "learn how to improve their mental well-being and discover different self-care strategies and resources available in the community.”

Health department staff will be on hand to talk about folks' physical and mental well-being, self-care strategies, feelings, and their favorite things." Resources and community referrals will also be available.

In the U.S., federal data show that one in three adults report feeling lonely, and one in four report not having social and emotional support.

Loneliness and lack of social connection can pose a threat to mental and physical health, including increasing a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, suicidality and self-harm, dementia, and early death.

And, as the Health District noted in a news release, studies show there is a connection between mental health and using substances like alcohol, marijuana, and opioids.

In the towns it serves, Branford, East Haven, and North Branford, and in collaboration with the towns of Madison and Guilford, the health department offers an opioid overdose prevention program. Health staff "hope to make connections at this event with individuals who may be struggling with opioid use, or know someone who is struggling."

“It’s about building connection and community,” said ESHD Public Health Nurse Stephanie Schillat. “We are looking to connect with folks who want to learn how to improve their mental well-being and discover different self-care strategies and resources available in the community.”

East Shore Health District is the local health department for the towns of Branford, East Haven, and North Branford. Learn about other community events ESHD is hosting by visiting the Events Calendar on ESHD’s website (www.esdhd.org).

The East Shore Health District is located at 688 East Main St. Branford and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call the East Shore Health District office at (203) 481-4233 with any questions.