HJNO Mar/Apr 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  MAR / APR 2025 49 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections System (PROMIS) Social Isolation Short Form provide standardized ways to mea- sure levels of social connectedness. These screenings can be integrated into routine Medicaid assessments, particularly in primary care, behavioral health settings, and home health visits 5 Identifying social isolation early allows providers to devel- op targeted interventions that address the root causes of disconnection and improve overall well-being. Once social isolation and loneliness risk are identified, developing person-centered interventions are needed to mitigate im- pacts, particularly among marginalized individuals. Community-based strategies, peer support programs, and integrated healthcare approaches can foster mean- ingful connections and improve health outcomes. One effective model is the use of community health workers, or social navigators who assist Medicaid recipi- ents in accessing transportation, social services, and community engagement op- portunities. These professionals help in- dividuals build support networks by con- necting them to faith-based groups, senior centers, or recreational activities that align with their interests. 5 For those with mental health or chronic illnesses, peer support is especially helpful for connecting to pro- grams that create safe spaces for sharing experiences and fostering a sense of be- longing without the threat of stigma. Technology-based interventions also hold promise in reducing social isolation among Medicaid populations. Telehealth services, virtual support groups, and dig- ital literacy programs can provide individ- uals with new avenues for engagement. However, disparities in digital access must be addressed to ensure these interventions reach those most in need. Expanding Med- icaid coverage for internet access, provid- ing technology training, and increasing funding for telehealth services in rural areas are essential steps in making tech- nology-based solutions equitable. 5 Lastly, addressing social determinants such as housing, economic stability, and job read- iness can help reduce social isolation and loneliness. Medicaid programs can make connections with community networks that facilitate access to stable housing, job training, and other resources that help re- cipients gain financial independence with which to combat social isolation and lone- liness. For youth, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and support- ing mental well-being are important to counter social isolation and loneliness. It’s important to foster inclusive environ- ments in schools, communities, and online spaces where young people can build re- lationships. Offering access to extracur- ricular activities, peer support programs, and counseling can help combat feelings of loneliness. Additionally, encouraging open conversations about mental health, building resilience, and involving families in creating a supportive network are key strategies to reduce isolation and promote social engagement. 1 A call to action Addressing social isolation among Medicaid recipients requires a multidis- ciplinary effort that includes healthcare providers, policymakers, social workers, and community organizations. This is even more critical for higher risk groups that may face extraordinary barriers in addition to those encountered as a Medicaid recip- ient. Integrating social isolation screen- ings into Medicaid services, expanding access to community-based and technol- ogy-driven interventions, intervening with youth who are at high risk, and address- ing socioeconomic determinants such as housing and employment are all necessary steps to create a more connected, healthier population. 6 By prioritizing person-cen- tered strategies that recognize and address the unique needs of diverse populations served by Medicaid and traversing the complex factors that contribute to social isolation, healthcare systems can improve both the quality of life and overall health outcomes for our most vulnerable. n REFERENCES 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health effects of social isolation and loneli- ness.” May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/so- cial-connectedness/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_ Val= https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/ social-connectedness/loneliness.htm 2 American Psychiatric Association. “New APA Poll: One in Three Americans Feels Lonely Every Week.” Jan. 30, 2024. https://www.psychiatry . org/News-room/News-Releases/New-APA-Poll- One-in-Three-Americans-Feels-Lonely-E 3 Malani, P.N.; Solway, E.; Kirch, M.; et al. “Lone- liness and Social Isolation Among US Older Adults.” JAMA 333, No. 3 (Dec. 9, 2024): 254-257. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.23213 4 Flowers, L.; Houser, A.; Noel-Miller, C.; AARP Public Policy Institute; et al. “Medicare spends more on Socially Isolated Older Americans.” AARP, Nov. 27, 2017. https://www.aarp.org/ pri/topics/health/coverage-access/medicare- spends-more-on-socially-isolated-older-adults/ 5 The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Com- munity. “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Iso- lation.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Last reviewed Jan. 20, 2025. https:// www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-gener- al-social-connection-advisory.pdf 6 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. “Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System.” The National Academies Press, 2020. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663