Title

The Impact of 8-minutes: Reducing Loneliness in Rural Colorado

Relevance

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Loneliness is recognized as a serious global public health issue, causing over 871,000 deaths every year. "},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":"(Loneliness and isolation – the hidden threat to global health we can no longer ignore, 2025)"},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":" Rural communities, including those in Colorado, face significant impacts. Suicide rates in rural counties are up to 68% higher than in urban areas, and more than half of rural residents live in places with limited access to mental health services. "},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":"(Suicide in Rural America, 2024) "},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cultural stigma, geographic isolation, and smaller social networks worsen the problem. One-third of rural adults report feeling lonely, yet few community strategies are culturally appropriate and feasible."},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":" (The Prevalence of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults Residing in Rural Utah Communities, 2023)"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"References"},{"insert":": \nWorld Health Organization. (2025, July 13). Loneliness and isolation – the hidden threat to global health we can no longer ignore. https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/loneliness-and-isolation-the-hidden-threat-to-global-health-we-can-no-longer-ignore"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Suicide in rural America. https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults residing in rural Utah communities. (2023). Journal of Psychosomatic Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.110013"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"}]}

Response

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Colorado State University Extension and Colorado AgrAbility created and delivered a 20-minute educational session called "},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":"The Power of Communication"},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":" at the Northwest Colorado Cattlemen’s Association meeting, engaging 36 ranchers. At the request of the Association’s president, the program included the question \""},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":"Do you have 8 minutes?"},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":"\" as a simple, low-barrier intervention based on brief weekly phone calls lasting 8–10 minutes. The research shows that caring calls of this length can cut loneliness and improve mental health within 4 weeks. "},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000","italic":true},"insert":"(Effect of Layperson-Delivered, Empathy-Focused Program of Telephone Calls on Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Clinical Trial, 2022, pp. 1101-1109)"},{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":" By making short conversations feel meaningful and emotional, the program respects cultural norms of independence and limited time while providing practical tools to build social connections."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"Reference"},{"insert":":\nEffect of layperson-delivered, empathy-focused program of telephone calls on loneliness, depression, and anxiety among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized clinical trial. (2022). JAMA Psychiatry, 79(11), 1101–1109. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.3090"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"}]}

Results

{"ops":[{"insert":"This program had a profound impact on participants, particularly the ranchers who expressed feelings of isolation during and after COVID-19. Three attendees said the presentation reflected their real-life experiences, helping them cope with emotional challenges. An additional ten participants shared that intentional interactions, such as someone asking, “How are you doing?”, lifted their spirits and improved their outlook during tough times.\n\nThe presentation also influenced families, with four couples planning to use this type of communication with their spouses and children, demonstrating early adoption of the strategies. Additionally, two ranchers said the program confirmed their ongoing feelings of loneliness, emphasizing its importance for rural agricultural communities.\n\nThese findings show that the program fosters meaningful connections, decreases feelings of isolation, and provides participants with tools to support themselves and their families. Tackling these key issues helps rural communities build resilience and enhance mental well-being. The program will grow in 2026.\n"}]}

Public Value Statement

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"#ffffff","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Colorado State University Extension strengthens mental health in rural areas by promoting low-cost, evidence-based communication strategies to reduce isolation and foster social ties. These efforts support the mental well-being and long-term resilience of Colorado’s farming families."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Primary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Secondary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Impact Statement