Weld County declares January 'Acts of Connection' month to highlight health risks of loneliness

The Weld County Board of Commissioners on Monday read a proclamation declaring January 2025 “Acts of Connection” month, asking residents to recognize loneliness as a public-health issue and pointing citizens to resources at weldhealth.org.

The proclamation—presented by Jason Cheshire of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, Olivia Egan (manager), and Dr. Dannon Cox from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health—cited federal research linking social isolation to higher risks of depression, substance use and chronic disease.

"The physical effects of loneliness can be equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day," Jason Cheshire said, noting the U.S. Surgeon General’s report and the county’s intention to raise awareness through the Acts of Connection initiative. Dr. Dannon Cox said trends show people are spending roughly 24 fewer hours per month with family and friends than two decades ago and urged intentional community connection.

Commissioners responding to the presentation framed the issue as a growing local concern. Commissioner Jason Maxey said the Surgeon General’s comparison was "amazing" and urged residents to maintain personal connections. Commissioner Kevin Ross recounted the social isolation of 2020 and told residents that reaching out to neighbors can avert serious health declines.

The proclamation encourages residents, families and organizations to visit the county health department’s website for resources. It was signed by all five commissioners during the meeting.

The health department said it will follow the proclamation with outreach and proposals to address isolation in Weld County.