Recent surveys suggest that half of U.S. adults experience loneliness and the impact is not equal based on age and demographics. As more attention has been brought to the impact of loneliness and social isolation on peoples mental and physical health, some researchers, congregations and health organizations are taking steps to address it as part of preventative care.

State departments of health across the region have taken some action and issued advisories as the synthetic drug-involved overdose death toll has risen in recent years.

Girls in the U.S. are experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness and suicide risk. A school-based program is helping them.