Meritus Care Caller Program Marks 5 Years Battling Loneliness

Nationally recognized program continues to link residents and volunteers to overcome social isolation, improve well-being

Five years after it began, the Meritus Health "Care Caller" program continues to make inroads against loneliness and social isolation through simple, friendly phone calls. The volunteer-led effort has connected about 1,800 people with regular conversations that provide support, friendship and connection, promoting mental and emotional well-being throughout our community.

"Loneliness and social isolation have been shown to impact life expectancy as much as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity," said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health, who has participated in the program since its inception and continues to do so. "Meritus set out to make sure that loneliness doesn't take its toll on our community, and the program's continued momentum shows us the immense value of simple human connections."

The "Care Caller" program presently has more than 340 participants, and more than 60 volunteers are part of the program. Together, they make hundreds of calls every few weeks, helping people stay connected and feel supported. Notably, 97 percent of participants in the program reported feeling less lonely after four months.

Stephen Youngerman has been a Care Caller for four years. The Clear Spring resident first was introduced to the program when he was on the list to be called. Now, he calls 86 people each month.

"When you are the only person to talk to somebody every week, that is one of the most rewarding things in the world," he said. "If I can help make a difference in just one person's life a day, I've accomplished something."

One of the people he calls monthly is Carolyn Walker of Maugansville.

"It's absolutely amazing," she said of the "Care Caller" program. "I can't imagine anyone not taking advantage of it. It's so helpful, especially for those of us who are older. Instead of just handling things by myself, I have somebody to talk to, to be able to handle it a little bit better."

The program has earned national recognition. In 2024, Meritus Health leaders published an article in the Journal for Healthcare Quality about the program's proven success in helping reduce loneliness.

Over the years, the program has grown to include in-person events, such as a bingo gathering, that bring people together and build new friendships. Many participants say the calls have helped them feel less isolated and more connected to their community.

The program is part of Meritus Health's broader effort to improve health outcomes and quality of life across the region. In recent years, the health system has also expanded support through free transportation to health appointments, food assistance for qualifying patients with a provider's prescription, and more than $31.2 million in free care last fiscal year for people who could not afford it.

"We do these things not just because they meet a need," Joshi said. "We do them because it's the right thing to do."

Learn more about the Care Caller program at www.meritushealth.com/carecaller.