This Cooper Conversation will explore the ethical questions surrounding loneliness and social isolation, asking whether medicine should address them as a public health crisis. A panel of local experts will examine how loneliness and isolation impact individual and community well-being, and whether health systems should treat them as urgent public health concerns. The event topic ties to this year’s E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues theme, "Belonging: Finding Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World" and is hosted in collaboration with the “Bioethics and the Law” course. Open to all students!
This conversation will feature:
- T. Jesse Davy, MPH, Performance Management Coordinator, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department
T. Jesse Davy leads community-wide health improvement planning for the city of Lincoln, collaborating with over 100 partner organizations and local healthcare systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In his role, he has been a part of the development of 6 Pillars for Emotional Wellbeing: A Parent’s Guide, a six-part educational video series that provides families with practical strategies to support youth emotional health through everyday routines. - Angela L. Palmer-Wackerly, Ph.D., UNL Associate Professor, Health Equity & Social Change, Department of Communication Studies
Dr. Angela L. Palmer-Wackerly specializes in health communication and is most passionate about working with community members and organizations to meet their health communication needs. Her research focuses on how identity, supportive communication, and decision-making affect health outcomes. - Kathy Castle, Ph.D., UNL Professor of Practice, Department of Communication Studies
Dr. Kathy Castle studies and teaches in the areas of interpersonal, family, and organizational communication in personal, professional, and civic contexts. Her research has been focused on improving the overall physical, mental, and relational health and well-being of those experiencing and working within the context of chronic illness.
Our guests will share their insights in a panel format and then continue the conversation through roundtable discussions with attendees.
Wednesday, October 1
3:30-4:45 pm
Knoll Residential Center 257
Light refreshments will be served
To RSVP, please complete the brief form below by September 30.
Questions? Please contact Liah Haines at lhaines3@huskers.unl.edu or Rebecca Baskerville at rlbaskerville@unl.edu.