Utah 2025 Regular Session

Utah Senate Bill SCR004 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	~~Enrolled Copy~~ S.C.R. 4
	1	+	02-14 15:13 S.C.R. 4
2	2		1
3	3		Concurrent Resolution Fostering Social Connection
4	4		and Establishing Utah Community Health Day
5	5		2025 GENERAL SESSION
6	6		STATE OF UTAH
7	7		Chief Sponsor: Brady Brammer
8		-	House Sponsor: ~~Steve Eliason~~
	8	+	House Sponsor:
9	9		2
10	10
11	11		3
12	12		LONG TITLE
13	13		4
14	14		General Description:
15	15		5
16	16		This resolution addresses the growing epidemics of loneliness and social isolation.
17	17		6
18	18		Highlighted Provisions:
19	19		7
20	20		This resolution:
21	21		8
22	22		▸ recognizes loneliness and social isolation as critical, public health priorities;
23	23		9
24	24		▸ urges individuals to prioritize building positive relationships and fostering social
25	25		10
26	26		connection; and
27	27		11
28	28		▸ establishes Utah Community Health Day.
29	29		12
30	30		Money Appropriated in this Bill:
31	31		13
32	32		None
33	33		14
34	34		Other Special Clauses:
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36	36		None
37	37		16
38	38
39	39		17
40	40		Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
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42	42		WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General's Advisory of 2023 identifies loneliness
43	43		19
44	44		and social isolation as urgent public health issues that significantly impact the well-being of
45	45		20
46	46		individuals and society;
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48	48		WHEREAS, loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risks of premature
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50	50		death, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline;
51	51		23
52	52		WHEREAS, the increased risks of death, disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive
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54	54		decline associated with loneliness and social isolation are comparable to the same increased
55	55		25
56	56		risks associated with smoking 15 cigarettes per day;
57	57		26
58		-	WHEREAS, social connection is a fundamental human need and essential for survival, ~~S.C.R. 4 Enrolled Copy~~
	58	+	WHEREAS, social connection is a fundamental human need and essential for survival,
59	59		27
60	60		health, and prosperity;
61	61		28
62	62		WHEREAS, social connection is a key determinant of community resilience, economic
63	63		29
64	64		prosperity, and civic engagement;
	65	+	S.C.R. 4 S.C.R. 4 02-14 15:13
65	66		30
66	67		WHEREAS, approximately 50% of adults in the United States report experiencing
67	68		31
68	69		loneliness, and younger adults, older adults, and marginalized communities are
69	70		32
70	71		disproportionately affected;
71	72		33
72	73		WHEREAS, among older adults, social isolation accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in
73	74		34
74	75		increased annual Medicare spending due to increased hospitalizations and nursing facility
75	76		35
76	77		costs;
77	78		36
78	79		WHEREAS, technology, while offering new means of connection, can also displace
79	80		37
80	81		in-person interactions and contribute to social isolation when used excessively or
81	82		38
82	83		inappropriately; and
83	84		39
84	85		WHEREAS, fostering a culture of social connection will mitigate these risks and promote
85	86		40
86	87		healthier, more engaged communities:
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88	89		NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
89	90		42
90	91		Governor concurring therein, affirms the importance of addressing loneliness and social
91	92		43
92	93		isolation as critical, public health priorities and commits to promoting policies and programs
93	94		44
94	95		that strengthen social connection.
95	96		45
96	97		BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor
97	98		46
98	99		concurring therein, urges individuals and families to prioritize building positive relationships
99	100		47
100	101		and fostering social connection through simple actions, such as sharing a meal, volunteering,
101	102		48
102	103		or sponsoring or participating in local neighborhood and community gatherings.
103	104		49
104	105		BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor
105	106		50
106	107		concurring therein, designates the last Saturday of April as Utah Community Health Day, a
107	108		51
108	109		day dedicated to fostering social connection, reducing loneliness and social isolation, and
109	110		52
110	111		promoting overall well-being through community events, volunteer opportunities, and
111	112		53
112	113		neighborhood gatherings.
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