HB4970

Establishes the Office for Community Belonging and Connection in the Illinois Department of Public Health to address loneliness.

Illinois HB4970 amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law to create the Office for Community Belonging and Connection within the Department of Public Health. The Office will establish a 3-year pilot program to collect data on the epidemic of loneliness, defined as a public health crisis characterized by widespread social disconnection. The pilot program will gather information on participation, reported loneliness, health outcomes, and civic engagement. Participating state agencies must designate a Community Belonging Liaison to coordinate with the Office.