In addition to declaring loneliness as a county-wide health emergency, San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa is also asking Gov. Newsom to create a new minister of loneliness position for the state.

With a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors, San Mateo County has become the first county in America to recognize loneliness as a public health emergency.

“We have 45% of the people who find themselves being lonely. Who suffer from loneliness,” said Supervisor David Canepa.

Canepa introduced the resolution he hopes will spur further action.

He says since the pandemic, county statistics have shown loneliness explode among the local population.

A trend the country’s surgeon general, says is also being seen nationwide.