The first step to end loneliness: Start with Hi!

Start with Hi! is a new public awareness campaign by Bloomington Public Health to increase social connection. It kicks off in Bloomington in November in connection with World Kindness Day on November 13.

This campaign was created in response to growing mental health concerns locally and across the country. Start with Hi! seeks to:

• Increase residents’ awareness of isolation and loneliness on health.

• Provide simple and effective tools to increase connectedness.

• Inspire collective action to support a culture of togetherness.

Did you know?

• Loneliness and isolation can increase the risk of heart disease by 29% and risk of stroke by 32%.

• In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation an epidemic.

To learn more and get involved, visit blm.mn/StartwithHi.