Since its inception in 2021, the Meritus Care Caller Program has significantly impacted the local community by providing vital support to over 700 individuals. This initiative, supported by 85 volunteers and two paid staff members, aims to combat loneliness and social isolation—factors known to affect life expectancy at rates comparable to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
The program targets Meritus patients who express feelings of loneliness or a lack of companionship during their health screenings. With the objective of reducing loneliness among participants, the program has already seen promising results: a significant percentage of participants reported feeling less isolated within just four months of regular phone call interventions.
Meritus Health encourages community members to join the volunteer program. Prospective volunteers can start by signing up with Meritus Health, reviewing training materials, and then beginning to make calls. Those interested in contributing to this valuable service can obtain more information by calling 240-291-6365 or by contacting [email protected].
Photo credits to Meritus Health
