Vivek Murthy Unveils ‘The Together Project’ To Combat Loneliness

India-West News Desk

MIAMI- Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the 19th and 21st United States Surgeon General, has launched “The Together Project,” a new initiative aimed at prioritizing social connection and community building across America. The project, founded in 2025, has secured initial funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, announced July 28.

As Chair of The Together Project, Murthy will expand upon his long-standing focus on human connection. As Surgeon General, he has consistently highlighted loneliness as a significant public health concern with substantial impacts on physical well-being. His 2020 book, “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World,” and subsequent work, including the 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation and his 2025 “Parting Prescription for America,” have underscored the societal imperative to foster environments that promote community.

The Knight Foundation, recognized for its investments in public spaces, arts, and local journalism to strengthen civic life, is The Together Project’s inaugural philanthropic partner. Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President and CEO of Knight Foundation, expressed strong support for the initiative. “At Knight, we believe connection and community are essential to a thriving democracy,” Wadsworth stated. “The Together Project is a bold and timely effort to confront the epidemic of disconnection in our country and to elevate the solutions that are already working. We are proud to support this movement to catalyze community and strengthen our civic fabric—because the power to create change isn’t lost, it’s local.”

With the Knight Foundation’s backing, Murthy will undertake a national listening tour and engage with communities to identify and amplify effective solutions that enhance connection, reduce isolation, and build social cohesion. The initiative aims to showcase scalable models for replication nationwide.