Loneliness is not just a personal struggle—it is a growing public health crisis. Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. say they feel lonely every day, and the consequences of isolation are as dangerous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
In response, three of Tampa Bay’s leading cities are taking decisive action. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector will come together on Wednesday, May 28, to announce joint support for Tampa Bay Connections, a new initiative led by Tampa Bay Thrives that seeks to combat loneliness, improve community unity, and enhance the overall health and vitality of the region.
“Tampa Bay Connections is more than a mental health campaign,” said Carrie Zeisse, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives. “It’s an economic strategy, a disaster preparedness tool, and a community safety initiative—all rooted in human connection.”
The initiative draws inspiration from international successes like the Compassionate Frome Project in the UK and will focus on five key strategies:
- Convene stakeholders across sectors—healthcare, nonprofits, the aging community, local government, businesses, and everyday residents—to coordinate a unified effort. This includes leveraging other non-traditional partners and places like barber shops, salons, social media influencers, and on-line gaming communities.
- Map existing resources—from volunteer opportunities to community events and third spaces like libraries, community centers, and parks—and identify where the gaps are.
- Launch an awareness campaign to increase awareness on the importance of social connection and volunteering and educate the public that even small doses can make a big difference.
- Advocate for increases in targeted funding for high impact programs and innovative new approaches.
- Develop measurement indices to track our collective progress.
Connected communities are safer, healthier, and more prosperous, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on loneliness and isolation. Research shows that cities with stronger social ties have lower crime rates, faster recovery from disasters, and higher civic participation.
“In our cities, the small moments—a neighbor checking in, a helping hand, a simple ‘hello’—are the glue that holds us together,” Zeisse said. “Tampa Bay Connections is about making those moments more frequent and meaningful.”
An Advisory Committee will be formed by representatives across multiple sectors from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater to guide implementation and amplify community voices.
About Tampa Bay Thrives
Tampa Bay Thrives is a nonprofit and Mental Health America affiliate, first formed in 2019, with the mission to mobilize the community to strengthen behavioral health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness. To learn more, visit www.tampabaythrives.org.