Stetson Hosts Community Symposium on Loneliness and Connection

The Center for Optimal Health Across the Lifespan brings together community leaders, students, and professionals to address isolation and build connection.

March 26, 2026

On March 20, Stetson University’s Center for Optimal Health Across the Lifespan (COHL) hosted Connected Communities: Overcoming Isolation and Loneliness, an interactive symposium focused on one of today’s most pressing public health challenges. Loneliness and social isolation affect nearly one in two adults in the United States and are associated with serious health risks, including heart disease, depression, and premature death, comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has identified social disconnection as a critical public health issue, calling for collective action to strengthen relationships and rebuild a more connected society.

The event, held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in DeLand, brought together community members, mental health professionals, educators, faith leaders, and advocates for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and connection. The symposium was organized by Dr. Jesse Fox, Associate Professor in Stetson’s Department of Counselor Education and Director of COHL. Featured speakers included Dr. Paul Granello of The Ohio State University, the Very Rev. Audrey Sutton, an Episcopal priest and anti-human-trafficking ministry leader, and Garrett Graves, a licensed mental health counselor, registered play therapist, and Stetson Counselor Education alum. Together, the panel explored the impact of loneliness on individuals and communities, while offering practical strategies to strengthen social connection and promote well-being.

The event created space not only for expert dialogue but also for meaningful engagement among attendees. Participants took part in guided discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and small group conversations designed to foster connection and shared understanding. Organizers emphasized the importance of moving beyond awareness to actionable steps that build stronger, more connected communities.

Students and alumni from Stetson’s Counselor Education program played an active role in supporting the event. Student research assistants Milena Lorenzi Salini, Paige Pei, and Aracelis Carter, along with alum Trinideé Mercado, contributed through their work with COHL. Their involvement reflects the department’s emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement.

The symposium underscores Stetson’s ongoing commitment to addressing complex social and mental health challenges through collaboration, research, and community partnership. As conversations around loneliness and social isolation continue to gain national attention, events like this highlight the vital role of connection in fostering individual and collective well-being.

Learn more about COHL here. Read more about Fox on his faculty profile.