In his farewell message to the nation, outgoing Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the importance of "building community" and reiterated warnings about the detrimental effects of loneliness.
On Tuesday, Murthy released his Parting Prescription for America, a 32-page document in which the physician reflected on his two-term tenure as the nation's leading public health spokesperson, and what he has learned about the struggles facing individuals and the U.S.
"Through my work over two terms as Surgeon General, I saw that the answer to 'What's missing?' is simple, yet profound: community," Murthy wrote. "The loss of community has become one of the defining challenges of our time. In response, we need a fundamental shift in how we build and prioritize community."
This "fracturing of community," Murthy wrote, "is driving a deeper spiritual crisis that threatens our fundamental well-being."
Why It Matters
As well as supporting the nation's response to COVID-19, Murthy's tenure as surgeon general has been characterized by a focus on combatting loneliness and the loss of community, prompted by a growing awareness of how both constitute health crises.
After being confirmed for his second stint by the Senate in March 2021, Murthy began advocating for loneliness to be treated as a key area of focus for public health officials, describing it as an "epidemic" that threatens to "rip our country apart," and likening its health impacts to "smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day."
Lawmakers, citing Murthy's warnings, have also introduced legislation designed to address loneliness by providing funds for mental health care and pursuing other community-focused approaches.
"Social isolation is increasingly damaging to civic engagement and our democracy, as well," Vermont Representative Becca Balint, said after introducing the Combatting Loneliness Act in December. "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."
What To Know
In his Parting Prescription, Murthy detailed how individuals across America can "cultivate community."
In what he described as the "time-tested triad of fulfillment," Murthy urged Americans to focus on relationships, service, and purpose. Prioritizing connections, committing to "acts of kindness" every day, and helping children build the skills necessary for leading purposeful lives were among his suggestions.
Aside from his advocacy for combatting loneliness, Murthy has launched initiatives focused on the risks of alcohol and tobacco use, mental health and well-being of parents and young people, as well as firearm violence.
What People Are Saying
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Tuesday: "Today, we are faced with a profound choice: do we continue with the status quo, marked by pain, disconnection, and division? Or do we choose a different path—one of joy, health, and fulfillment, where we turn toward each other instead of away from each other; where we choose love over fear; where we recognize community as the irreplaceable foundation for our well-being?"
Democratic Rep. Becca Balint, after introducing the Combatting Loneliness Act: "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."
What Happens Next?
Murthy, who has served under Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, is set to be replaced by Janette Nesheiwat, a physician and former Fox News medical contributor.
"Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health," Trump said in a statement following his nomination of Nesheiwat in November. "She is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives."
The presumptive nominee's appointment will require Senate confirmation, which will likely occur in the first half of this year.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
English (US) ·