Professor Laura Hoffman presented as a panelist at the Oklahoma Law Review 2024 Symposium, which focused on innovation and healthcare involving law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law on Friday, October 4th.  The Oklahoma Law Review will publish Professor Hoffman’s upcoming article, “Putting the ‘Social’ Into Social Determinants of Health: Why Policymaking for Improving Health Must Tackle Social Isolation and Loneliness”, in which she challenges policymakers at all levels to make addressing social isolation and loneliness a priority due to the significant impact on health.

While the COVID-19 pandemic exposed our nation to the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health, research has already demonstrated that these issues have impacted the health of all across our nation far before the pandemic.  The pandemic merely alerted us to the pervasiveness of these issues and contributed further to the impact on health.  This led the U.S. Surgeon General in May 2023 to publish a report on the relationship between social isolation and loneliness in their impact on health, calling it a public health crisis.  Dr. Murthy’s call to action included policy.

Professor Hoffman’s article will include highlights of the U.S. Surgeon General’s report and an update with new research.  She examines how federal, state, and local legislation and policy efforts in the U.S. are now trying to respond to the U.S. Surgeon General’s urgency on this matter and recommendations going forward.

Professor Hoffman’s recommendations include the digital environment and making Broadband internet accessible to all.  As those with mental health needs have benefited from telehealth as a delivery model, the greater availability of access to these services could further improve overall health for many.