Community Approach in Healthcare

"CONNECTING LONELINESS IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS"

International conference on social connection

Camila Ronderos, Executive Director at KCC, was a panelist at the International Conference on Social Connection on November 27, 2024.

Camila joined the conversation with global leaders to talk about “Community Approach in Healthcare: Connecting Loneliness in Primary Care Settings.” She shared how we at KCC in the USA and Fundacion Keralty in Colombia are changing the way we approach primary care by focusing on what matters most—building connections and empowering communities.

Here’s how we’re making an impact:

Empowering patients and families through the work of community health workers.
Tapping into local resources to address social challenges at the community level.
Using the Luben Scale to screen patients for loneliness and social disconnection.

TO WATCH FULL CONFERENCE :

For patients facing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or mental health challenges, those with a score of 12 or lower on the Luben Scale are connected to social prescriptions—programs and activities designed to foster human connection and improve well-being.

Why does this matter?
Patients who feel lonely tend to have higher healthcare costs than those who are socially connected. By addressing loneliness early, we’re improving lives and reducing costs, creating a more compassionate and sustainable model of care.

Camila joined a stellar lineup of speakers, including:

Neil Denton, who spoke about the power of relationships and strong communities during crises and beyond.
Manuela Barreto, who explored loneliness in schools and how to tackle it.
Lateefat Odunuga, who discussed social isolation and connections in schools and workplaces.
Dr. Gemma Moore, who shared insights on loneliness and social connection in cities.

It was an inspiring discussion about the future of healthcare and the role of community. If you’d like to watch the panel, you can check it out here.

At KCC, we’re proud to be leading efforts to address loneliness and create healthier, more connected communities

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