Social Connection as Medicine: The Loneliness Epidemic

A survey released June 15 by the Akron Department of Public Health found that 34 percent of Summit County adults report feeling lonely several times a week, up from 22 percent in 2023.

Remote work schedules and fewer in-person gatherings have kept many residents apart even as downtown foot traffic rebounds. Health officials link the trend to higher rates of stress-related clinic visits along Main Street corridors, where primary care doctors now ask patients about social contacts during routine checkups.

Programs rooted in Akron neighborhoods

The Akron YMCA on Market Street runs a Tuesday evening social wellness circle that draws 25 to 30 people for low-cost group walks followed by coffee at the Highland Square branch. Across town, the Akron-Summit County Public Library at 60 S High St hosts a monthly “Connect After Hours” session that pairs residents with volunteer facilitators for structured conversations on stress reduction. Both sites charge no fee for the first three visits and list upcoming dates on their websites.

Local data shows participants in these groups cut their reported stress scores by an average of 18 percent after eight weeks, according to a May internal review by the Summit County Mental Health Board. The same review noted that 41 percent of attendees lived alone, a figure that has grown since 2024.

Next steps for residents

City wellness staff recommend starting with one recurring activity on a fixed day rather than scattered events. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath trail offers free guided walks every Thursday at 6 p.m. from the North Street trailhead. Residents can also sign up for the library’s text reminder list by texting CONNECT to 330-555-0199 to receive weekly listings of neighborhood meetups.