Take the Surgeon General’s 5‑for‑5 Connection Challenge

Between December 4th–15th, 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is challenging YOU to take the “5-for-5 Connection Challenge” as a way to build and strengthen your own relationships and inspire others to incorporate connection in their daily lives!

5 Actions for 5 Days

Step 1: Commit to connect

Pick 5 actions and 5 days in a row to connect with people in your life.
Step 2: Connect each day for 5 days

Each day, take 1 simple action of your choice to express gratitude, offer support, or ask for help. For more ideas, see the card deck below.

View Made To Connect Card Deck Download Connection Challenge Toolkit Download Connection Postcard

Inspire More Connection

Step 3: Reflect and share.

Take a moment. How did connecting make you feel?

Let your loved ones know about your experience and invite them to join in! Use #MadeToConnect on social media and share this link.

We're eager to hear your stories, too. Email us at MadeToConnect@hhs.gov so we can learn & share your stories to inspire more connection.

5-for-5 Connection Stories

There are many ways to connect. Here are some ways 5-for-5 Challenge participants are choosing to connect with themselves and others, using actions from the Made to Connect Card Deck.

“The cool thing was that our relationship was suddenly more meaningful. I felt like we had moved beyond being just ‘school friends’.” Tariq W. from Plano, TX — Share

“Usually at the store I try not to have too much contact. I get in and out. This challenged me to be more outgoing. It helped me get out of my shell.” Anna C. from Winder, GA — Share

“I thought about how I would view myself if I was my own friend, and the things I would like about me... when I finished it, I felt a lot better.” Raine L. from Zimmerman, MN — Share

The Surgeon General’s 5-for-5 Connection Challenge builds on the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation and the success of his recent “We Are Made to Connect” Tour.

“We Are Made To Connect” Tour

Recognizing the significant challenges that loneliness, social isolation, and mental health pose to college-aged Americans, the Surgeon General recently visited university campuses to talk about the importance of social connection and youth mental health.

Duke University

October 25

WRAL News | US Surgeon General kicks off national tour on mental health at Duke University
University of Washington

November 3

The Daily | UW hosts U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy on the importance of social connection
University of Texas, Austin

November 8

Austin American-Statesman | Matthew McConaughey talks mental health with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy at UT Austin
Arizona State University

November 13

Arizona Republic | 'Everybody has experienced loneliness': US Surgeon General talks mental health with ASU students
Barclays Center

November 27
Drexel University

November 28
Camden County College

November 28

NJ Pen | U.S. Surgeon General Visits Camden County College to Address Loneliness Epidemic
Hampton University

November 29

13 News Now | U.S. Surgeon General visits Hampton University as final stop on college mental health tour

Joined By Active Minds & MTV

A.S.K. – Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in Touch is a new framework for emotional support from MTV and Active Minds that will help you learn what you need to know to support your friends, family, colleagues, and anybody in your life when they need you.

Events in collaboration with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s College Connection Tour will feature a DIY bracelet-making station, giveaways, and a photo op with the A.S.K. art installation. Stop by on your way to class or plan a time to come with a friend. Because the best way to help is to A.S.K. www.asktohelp.com

Thank you to the following organizations and schools for taking on the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge. We are grateful for your commitment to strengthening relationships and building strong communities across the country.

American Pharmacists Association
Arizona State University
Foundation for Social Connection
Hampton University
MENTOR
MTV
MusiCares
NAMI
National PTA
NCAA
NASA
Only 7 Seconds
Sloane Stephens Foundation
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Southern California
University of Washington
The Asian American Foundation
The UnLonely Project
USPHS Dental Professional Advisory Committee
Your Mom Cares
YMCA
YWCA

Why Does Social Connection Matter?

Social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. But today, our epidemic of loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the U.S. Social connection is a powerful way to improve our physical and mental health.

What Can I Do Next?

Loneliness Epidemic Video
U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Vivek Murthy addresses our nation's loneliness & isolation crisis and the healing effects of social connection
Watch Video
Surgeon General: We Have Become a Lonely Nation. It’s Time to Fix That.
A New York Times Opinion Essay by U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on the loneliness crisis.
Read Article
Social Connection Advisory
This Advisory calls attention to the critical that connection plays in individual, community, and societal health, and offers a framework for how we can all contribute to improving social connection.
Read Advisory
More About Social Connection
The Surgeon General’s Social Connection webpage focuses on how we can work together to advance social connection and improve our nation’s public health.
Learn More
Protecting Youth Mental Advisory
This Advisory calls attention to how supporting youth mental health requires all of society and provides actionable ways to create a world where young people thrive.
Read Advisory
Social Media And Youth Mental Health Advisory
This Advisory describes the current evidence on the impacts of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents.
Read Advisory