WASHINGTON, D.C. (Diya TV) — Outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy this week shared his final reflections, emphasizing the need to rebuild community to address the root causes of widespread unhappiness and loneliness. In his “Parting Prescription for America,” Dr. Murthy called for a renewed focus on relationships, service, and purpose—elements he described as the foundation of fulfillment.
Dr. Murthy’s reflections draw on personal experiences, including lessons from his father, who grew up in a small Indian village with limited resources but found contentment through strong communal bonds. “What they lacked in wealth, they made up for in the community,” Murthy wrote.
The Surgeon General had long pushed for mental health and anti-isolation efforts, but what he described as the troubling trend in America was something different. “Half of young people and a third of adults struggle with loneliness,” he wrote. He noted that this isolation significantly impacts health, contributing to issues like heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Murthy called on Americans to prioritize human connections and redefine success to counter these challenges. “When we find our purpose in contributing to the lives of others, life isn’t always easy, but it is immensely gratifying,” he said, highlighting the enduring lessons of his parents’ compassionate care for others.
Murthy proposed establishing diverse, overlapping communities, acknowledging that satisfaction is often derived from multiple sources of belonging. He also recommended encouraging service and redefining what constitutes a good life.
During his two terms as U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy has been a loud and clear champion of health and wellness.
