The Senate Resolution acknowledges loneliness as a significant public health crisis in New Jersey, highlighting its detrimental effects on both individual and community health. It references the United States Surgeon General's declaration of a loneliness epidemic on May 3, 2023, which points to the increasing number of individuals experiencing loneliness and the associated health risks, including heightened chances of developing mental health issues and premature death. The resolution emphasizes that loneliness and isolation can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia, particularly among older adults, and underscores the urgent need to address this issue as part of the broader mental health crisis affecting many residents.

Furthermore, the resolution advocates for the importance of social connection as a viable solution to combat loneliness, suggesting that fostering community ties can enhance individual health and resilience. It notes that connected communities tend to perform better on various health and safety metrics, and that addressing loneliness is essential for improving mental health outcomes, especially given the prevalence of mental illness among adults and young adults in the U.S. The resolution calls for recognition of the loneliness epidemic and its impact on New Jerseyans, aiming to inspire proactive measures to mitigate its adverse public health effects.