Care Callers, ‘speed friending,’ other efforts to help Marylanders combat loneliness

Health leaders warned that the social isolation and loneliness of the COVID-19 era could take a physical and emotional toll. The social distancing may be gone, but the loneliness remains, which is why health groups are running programs to reduce that loneliness.

By: Danielle J. Brown

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: November 3, 2026

Words: 1,217

Last Updated: 6 days, 11 hours ago

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In the social distancing days of the COVID-19 pandemic, national health leaders warned that social isolation and loneliness not only bring emotional wounds but also take a physical toll on the body, increasing risks of premature death and other health outcomes.

Social distancing may be gone, but experts say that social isolation is still a problem, particularly for seniors but also for people with disabilities and teens to young adults.

One hospital CEO says there …

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