San Mateo County made history—not just with a resolution, but with a movement. By naming loneliness a public health emergency, we took the first step in turning silence into action, disconnection into unity, and isolation into care.

This local resolution followed a national call to action from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who in May 2023 warned that loneliness poses the same health risks as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. His advisory also noted that weak social connection increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and premature death.

But that was only the beginning. The future of the Loneliness Awareness and Solutions Initiative is bright because it is rooted in something timeless and powerful: our shared humanity. With continued investment, bold leadership, and collaboration between local government, nonprofits, healthcare, and our residents, we can build a community where no one is forgotten and everyone belongs.

Imagine a County where seniors find companionship, where youth feel seen and supported, where neighbors check in on one another—not because it’s mandated, but because it’s second nature. That is the San Mateo County we are building. With every peer connection, every therapy session, every wagging tail and warm hello, we are proving that love, care and community are essential.

Hope lives here. And together, we are rewriting the story of loneliness—not as an unshakable epidemic, but as a challenge we face and overcome.

This is our moment. The future is connected.

In October 2025, District 5 hosted “Take a Hike for Loneliness,” a community gathering designed to bring neighbors and friends together through connection and movement in nature. Residents came together for a shared hike, conversation, and reflection, reminding us that community can be built one step at a time.

We were honored to be joined by the Nature Capital Project of Stanford University, who presented research on the powerful benefits of nature for mental health, emotional well-being, and social connection. Their insights reinforced what many participants experienced firsthand: time outdoors, shared with others, can be a meaningful antidote to loneliness.

This event reflects our commitment to building healthier, more connected communities by creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

In November 2025, San Mateo County hosted “The Pet Connection: Pet Adoption & Community Well-Being Event,” bringing residents together to explore how companion animals can reduce loneliness and strengthen emotional well-being. Held in partnership with the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, the event created a welcoming space for connection for both human and animal.

The gathering highlighted a growing body of research showing that pets can ease stress, improve mental health, and foster meaningful social bonds. From daily walks to the simple comfort of companionship at home, animals often serve as a bridge back to community and routine.

“Pets can be a powerful bridge back to the community,” Canepa said. “Whether it’s a daily walk, caring for a rescue animal, or simply the comfort of companionship at home, animals can reduce stress, improve overall mental well-being, and create new social connections. This event gave residents the chance to experience that connection and maybe even find their new best friend.”

Momentum continued to grow across California to address the epidemic of loneliness. Kaiser Permanente hosted a first-of-its-kind Aging Well Summit at the historic Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland in 2025, where Canepa was honored to speak about the loneliness crisis and the power of social connection as people age.

At the time, 53% of San Mateo County residents reported feeling lonely, a reminder that loneliness affects people of all ages and genders. With more than 8.7 million Californians projected to be 65 and older by 2030, the focus was not only on helping people live longer, but on ensuring they lived well connected, supported, and engaged.

Canepa was proud to join Dr. Carla Perissinotto of UCSF, Carlene Davis of Village Movement California, and the legendary Rita Moreno in elevating the conversation around aging, connection, and well-being.

As part of this ongoing commitment, Canepa continues to champion events and initiatives that bring people together and strengthen community connection across San Mateo County.

In November of 2025, San Mateo County adopted a resolution encouraging private employers to recognize loneliness and social isolation as public health issues and to take proactive steps to address them in the workplace. Building on the County’s 2024 declaration recognizing loneliness as a public health crisis, the first in the nation, this policy underscores the critical role workplaces play in employee well-being.

With research showing that nearly one in three workers feel isolated at work, the resolution calls on employers to foster connection through inclusive workplace cultures, mental health support, team-building, and opportunities for meaningful interaction. By prioritizing social connection alongside productivity, the County is advancing healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities.