Welcome to The Newsfeed.

This week we're diving into the national loneliness epidemic.

The federal government has said at least 30% of people across all demographics are at risk for social isolation.

A Seattle organization is in the pilot phase of their plan to help people build connections with each other across the city.

In 2023, the U.S.

Surgeon General noted the epidemic as a public health threat, saying that lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarets a day.

Seattle loneliness levels are higher than the country as a whole, and a large number of transplants live here that did not grow up in the city.

The Seattle Chapter Chamber of Connection's executive director says that's contributed to the level of disconnection within the Emerald City.

-Those transition points can be really strong opportunities for us to build connection across difference, and also to build the city that we want to live in.

-They have identified six points of connection that every person needs to live a connected life.

The first one, you should know your neighbors and have a point of contact in your neighborhood.

The organization with the City of Seattle runs programing such as their Best Ever program, essentially an adult field trip to explore and learn more about Seattle neighborhoods and deepen people's feelings of belonging in the city.

-We support over 170 community builders around the city who are organizing small grassroots gatherings.

And then we also work with larger organizations like the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Fifth Avenue Theater to provide connection in places where people are already gathering.

So how can we make sure that if you show up to an event, even if you're coming by yourself, you end up meeting someone new and feeling like you're part of a community?

-All this week, we're bringing you stories about how local people are fighting the loneliness epidemic.

I'm Paris Jackson.

Thank you for watching The Newsfeed.