In February 2024, the East Boston Social Centers, a local community organization, led focus groups with older adults from their “Active Adults” program. These discussions revealed complex insights into community connection and loneliness among older residents. Loneliness is a pressing concern, and in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared a national “epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” It’s important to understand how this issue is affecting East Boston.

Founded over a century ago, the Social Centers support immigrant families through services like education, recreation, and social support. Their Active Adults program offers year-round activities to help adults 55 and older stay healthy and active. Senior Program Manager Dawn Panos leads the program, working to help East Boston seniors maintain community bonds and a high quality of life.

Under Executive Director Justin Pasquariello, the Social Centers launched a campaign to promote community joy. This sparked a partnership with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness (LKS Center) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which entered this relationship as part of Center Director Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath’s initiative to promote community well-being and health equity.

Conducted as a collaborative effort between the Social Centers and the LKS Center, the focus groups were led by former Social Centers Director of Data and Evaluation Dr. Rosanna M. Batista and former LKS Center Research Assistant and Harvard Master of Public Health student Elaine Jeon.

The goals were twofold: to understand how older adults in East Boston perceive social connections, support, and belonging, and to use this insight to shape future programming, strengthening social bonds and fostering a greater sense of community.

The participants, primarily women over 75 who had lived in East Boston for more than 30 years, took part in two focus groups—one in English and one in Spanish, with five individuals each.

Discussions revealed that 70% of participants often felt joyful, and 60% felt at home in their neighborhood. One participant praised the neighborhood’s diversity, saying, “I have a nice neighborhood. A lot of people are from Brazil and the Dominican Republic, and we get along real fine.” Another participant emphasized the importance of the Active Adults program, noting,

Since I stopped working, I didn’t know where to start. Now I feel better because I have friends.

However, challenges emerged.

20% of respondents reported feeling lonely daily.

These findings echo a broader survey by MassInc in May 2023, which found that 19% of East Boston residents felt lonely daily, with 27% often feeling out of place in their neighborhood.

Several factors contributed to this loneliness. Of the 10 participants, 80% lived alone, and 70% were widowed or divorced. Many reported feelings of loss as spouses, friends, and pets passed on. One participant said, “I feel disconnected. I have no friends since I retired. My children moved to another state.” Another noted, “People do not care anymore. They don’t say hello,” reflecting a perceived shift in community dynamics. Additional challenges included the loss of local stores, lack of transportation for seniors, and language barriers between neighbors. Some participants said they only received support during Active Adults activities.

When asked about solutions, participants called for more community activities, social opportunities, educational resources, and efforts to promote cultural understanding. The most common request was for improved transportation, which would make it easier for seniors to access social events and services.

Moving forward, the Social Centers plan to adapt their programs based on these insights, with a focus on increasing social engagement, cognitive and physical activities, and initiatives that strengthen community ties. To support this goal, the LKS Center will sponsor an intern for the Social Centers this summer. The primary goal of this internship is to foster a sense of community and connection within the organization and the larger East Boston area by addressing social isolation and destigmatizing loneliness. The intern will play a key role in developing creative and impactful initiatives that enhance staff engagement and joy, ultimately contributing to a more connected workplace and community environment.

The ongoing collaboration between the Social Centers and the LKS Center will be vital in meeting the evolving needs of East Boston’s senior population, fostering a stronger, more connected community where everyone can thrive.

Article written by Rosanna M. Batista, DrPH, former Social Centers Director of Data and Evaluation, and Ayla Fudala, Communications Coordinator, Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health

In today’s rapidly evolving information landscape, the spread of misinformation about science has emerged as a significant public health concern. To address this issue, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a committee of experts to explore the nature, scope, and impact of misinformation in the US and provide guidance on interventions, policies, and future research. Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication and Director of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, served as the Chair of the Consensus Study Committee for this critical report. The “Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science” Report was published in December 2024, and can be read online here.

The Problem: Misinformation about Science

Misinformation about science—defined as “information that asserts or implies claims that are inconsistent with the weight of accepted scientific evidence at the time”—poses a threat at individual, community, and societal levels. When individuals absorb misinformation, it can lead to misbeliefs that impede their ability to make informed personal and community decisions, such as those related to health or responses to natural disasters. This misinformation can also exacerbate existing disparities within marginalized communities, worsening health inequities and discrimination. Moreover, misinformation has the potential to distort public opinion, undermining trust in scientific institutions and authorities.

These impacts were starkly illustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation about the virus and vaccines led to serious repercussions. A study conducted in 2023 estimated that from May 2021 to September 2022, a minimum of 232,000 deaths among unvaccinated adults could have been avoided. (Jia, et al., 2023).

Misinformation about science isn’t a new issue. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration was established in 1906 to combat widespread misinformation about drugs and food safety. However, the current information ecosystem, particularly with the rise of online platforms, has exacerbated the spread of misinformation. Social media applications, large search engines, and various websites have reshaped information and communication dynamics, making it challenging for the public to discern scientific expertise and the credibility of information sources. This is particularly concerning during crises when public uncertainty peaks—such as during the Covid-19 pandemic— increasing the potential for misinformation to thrive.

Barriers to accessing reliable scientific information further exacerbate this problem. When accurate information is unavailable, individuals resort to whatever sources they can find, often encountering misinformation. This situation is compounded when scientific information is restricted, limited to certain languages, or culturally irrelevant.

Solutions: Addressing Misinformation and Providing Accurate Information

Addressing misinformation requires a multifaceted and proactive approach. The report suggests the following solutions:  

• Monitoring Misinformation:
  • Continuous monitoring of the information ecosystem is essential to track and document the origins, spread, and impact of misinformation across platforms. This effort can help mitigate the influence of misinformation and inform effective responsive strategies.
• Providing Credible Information:
  • The report suggests establishing an independent, non-partisan consortium to identify and curate high-quality science information, ensuring broad access to information of public interest.
  • Ensuring availability and access to accurate science information in times of “Information voids” on scientific topics of interest to people.
  • While social media platforms contribute to the spread of misinformation, they also present opportunities to enhance the dissemination of quality science information. Leveraging these platforms can help counteract misinformation by increasing the visibility of credible and accurate scientific content.
  • Enhancing journalism capacity is another critical area. Strengthening the media’s ability to report on science, especially during times of crisis, can ensure that the public receives reliable and accurate information.
  • Community-based efforts are crucial in fighting misinformation. Local organizations, such as businesses, non-profits, and faith groups, are actively working to improve access to credible science information. The report suggests supporting these initiatives to boost their impact.

In conclusion, effectively addressing misinformation about science is essential for safeguarding public health. This report underscores the need for a strategic approach to tackle this urgent issue. By implementing continuous monitoring, enhancing access to accurate information, leveraging social media for disseminating credible science, and bolstering journalism and community-based efforts, we can mitigate the harmful impacts of misinformation.

At the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, we are dedicated to translating science into practice and policy. We strive to provide and promote evidence-informed information on well-being –physical, psychological and social, to address information voids and promote easier access. We achieve this through a variety of methods: hosting seminars and symposia with experts on critical topics, both in person and online, to reach global audiences; partnering with community-based organizations to build capacity and promote well-being information; working with Harvard Chan School students to offer science-informed well-being workshops for the community; and utilizing social media and podcasts to disseminate recent scientific findings.

Under Dr. Viswanath’s leadership, both in this report and through his role at the Center, we aim to empower individuals and communities with the scientific knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and foster a more knowledgeable and resilient society.

---

Inaugural Chester Pierce Symposium: Well-being in the Face of Adversity

On November 12, 2024, the inaugural Chester Pierce Symposium was held, bringing together leading voices from academia, business, and activism to explore the theme “Well-being in the Face of Adversity.” This event honored the legacy of Dr. Chester Pierce, a pioneer in psychiatry, civil rights, and social justice.

Pierce was the first African American to graduate from the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program. He later became a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and of education at Harvard University, serving as the chief of psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and as a psychiatrist at MIT for nearly 25 years. Pierce also served on the faculty of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, educating for 14 years in the Department of Health and Social Behavior, today called the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (the home department of the Lee Kum Sheung Center). The Chester Pierce Symposium is envisioned as an annual gathering to confront timely and critical issues. The 2024 theme, “Well-being in the Face of Adversity,” was selected to address growing societal challenges, including systemic racism, political polarization, and environmental crises.

The day’s structure included a keynote lecture and three dynamic panel discussions. Speakers were introduced by Emry Ray Breedlove, Harvard Chan School MPH ’24 (pictured right, alongside Center Director Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath). Opening remarks were given by Dean Jane Kim, followed by an introduction by Director Viswanath, who announced,

Today is about empowerment, what we can do as a society to foster resilience. We want to go beyond individuals and focus on larger systems, larger conditions in understanding and fostering resilience.

Keynote Lecture: Racism and Health – Understanding Its Threats, Mobilizing Defenses

Following Director Viswanath’s remarks, Dr. David Williams delivered a powerful keynote lecture exploring the intersection of racism and health. Williams serves as the Florence Sprague Norman and Laura Smart Norman Professor of Public Health in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard Chan School, as well as Professor of African and African American Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Williams highlighted the stark realities of racial health inequities in the US, underscoring the message with two shocking statistics: 203 Black people die prematurely in the US every day due to racial health inequities; and Black children are 3x more likely to lose their mother by age 10. Williams pointed to socio-economic factors, systemic segregation, and pervasive racism as the root causes of these inequities, leading to significant differences in neighborhood resources, healthcare access, and financial stability between Black and White communities. Despite increasing awareness and civil rights activism, he noted that income disparities and life expectancy gaps between Black and White Americans have remained consistent over the last several decades. Williams referenced Pierce, who introduced the concept of microaggressions. Williams defined them in the context of racism as “assaults to black dignity [that] are incessant and cumulative.” This everyday discrimination is linked to mental and physical health issues, including but not limited to high blood pressure, poor sleep, and elevated suicide risk. Williams proposed a multifaceted approach to address these profound inequities, beginning by raising awareness.

Most Americans, data reveals, do not know that inequities in health exist. So we need to raise awareness levels. We need to develop political will. And we need to build empathy.

He emphasized the need for educational strategies aimed at reducing prejudice and raising awareness, which are vital in changing public perceptions and behaviors. He argued for the necessity of creating “communities of opportunity” by reducing childhood poverty, enhancing income and employment opportunities, and improving neighborhood and housing conditions. He suggested that building trust between patients and healthcare providers by diversifying the workforce, particularly by increasing the presence of Black doctors, can improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for Black patients. Williams concluded by referencing a quote from Robert F. Kennedy, stating, “It is my hope that each one of us today resolve that going forward we will be a tiny ripple of hope. Together, we can sweep down the mighty walls of oppression and resistance.”

Panel 1: Resilience in Times of Adversity: Institutions, Individuals, and Community Strength 

The first panel asked the question, “How can individuals, institutions, and communities foster resilience amidst challenges like social tensions and systemic discrimination?” The session was moderated by Dr. Brittney Francis, a research scientist at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the Harvard Chan School, and featured Dr. Nancy Michael, Director of Education and Co-Director of the Neuroscience and Behavior major at the University of Notre Dame, and Julia Hotz, journalist and author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.

In the discussion, Michael explained that on a physiological level, resilience is the body’s ability to flexibly recover and reinstate autonomic balance after stress, involving nervous and endocrine system interactions. She argued that resilience should be about “bouncing forward” rather than just returning to one’s previous state, highlighting how social support and resources can help individuals not only recover from adversity but also grow and improve beyond their past selves. She emphasized the importance of translating science to the public, arguing that “Knowledge doesn’t change anything unless we’re enacting it in some way.” Michael puts this principle into action with her work at the Self-Healing Communities of Michiana nonprofit, using community education on neuroscience to address and treat trauma.

Hotz explained that resilience should be understood as a community-driven process, arguing that “If the stressor is social in nature, the medicine should be too.” She went on to introduce the concept of social prescribing, which involves recommending community engagement activities as part of medical treatment to combat social isolation and improve community health. “There are five types of social prescription,” Hotz explained. “My book focuses on movement, nature, art, service, and belonging, because we evolved to sort of spend our time in these ways.” She argued that health insurance companies should cover social prescriptions, suggesting that investing in community activities for policyholders could ultimately save these companies money. For instance, she pointed to Massachusetts, which recently introduced the nation’s first statewide arts prescription solution. This initiative involves over 300 arts and cultural partners working alongside hospitals and insurers. Both panelists emphasized the importance of social interactions in improving health outcomes and fostering resilience.

Panel 2: Flourishing Amidst Climate Change: Promoting Well-Being and Social Justice

The second panel asked the question, “How can communities promote well-being and social justice amidst the challenges of global climate change?” The session was moderated by Dr. Christie Denckla, Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard Chan School, and featured Dr. Elizabeth Pinsky, psychiatrist, pediatrician, and Associate Director for Advocacy at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Environment and Health, and Heather White, founder of the nonprofit One Green Thing and author of books such as Eco-Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future.

Both Pinsky and White discussed eco-anxiety and its complex relationships with climate change.  Pinsky emphasized that, rather than being a pathology, eco-anxiety is a legitimate response to environmental issues, stating,

Anxiety is adaptive. It is what we need to identify an oncoming threat and respond to it… And in the case of eco-anxiety, it’s more than just a necessary emotion. I would argue that it’s a moral one.

Pinsky explained how this anxiety can spur collective action and social connection, vital for coping with climate-related stress. Pinsky then discussed the link between climate change and inequity, beginning with the observation that “the countries that burn the most fossil fuels are not the countries that are experiencing the greatest impact.” This inequity spans generations, with future generations bearing the consequences of today’s actions, and is also deeply racial. Emphasizing this point, she stated that “climate change is racism manifested,” and highlighted environmental Hop Hopkins’ insight: “You can’t have climate change without sacrificing. You can’t have sacrifice zones without disposable people. You can’t have disposable people without racism.” Furthermore, she pointed out that climate change worsens existing inequities in infrastructure, heat, and air quality, functioning as a “threat multiplier.”

White reiterated Pinsky’s point about the intergenerational inequity of climate change, referencing a study by Lewandowski, et al. (2024), stating: “Of 16,000 young people in the United States, 85% experience eco anxiety, and more than half do not want children of their own because of climate change.” She went on to explain that most carbon pollution has occurred since 1990, and highlighted that younger generations, including her own descendants, will face greater climate challenges than she has, concluding that “that is an intergenerational call to action for all of us.”

But how can we make a difference when the problem seems so overwhelming? As White explained, “sometimes the burden of individual action can be a barrier to systemic or collective action.” The best way to combat this issue, she argues, is by giving people a sense of agency, and connecting their activism with their identity. To this end, she created the “Service Superpower Assessment“, an online quiz which sorts takers into seven archetypes, highlighting their unique strengths and giving them recommendations on how to take action and act as “culture change agents” in their communities and families. She concluded with a call to action, asking:

Who are you? How can you be involved in the climate movement, which is the biggest challenge of our lifetime? Everyone is welcome. Everyone is needed.

Panel 3: Happy in the Workplace: Cultivating Positive Work Experiences through Innovation and Leadership 

The third and final panel asked the question, “What policies can managers implement to create and maintain a healthy, happy workplace?” The session was moderated by Dr. Erika Sabbath, Associate Professor at Boston College School of Social Work and Co-director of the Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing. It featured Dr. Glorian Sorensen, Research Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard Chan School and Founding Director for the Harvard Center for Work, Health and Well-being, as well as Jonathan Isaacson, Chairman and CEO of The Gem Group.

Sorensen began by emphasizing the potential of work to be a significant source of happiness, purpose, and well-being. She defined “thriving from work” as a state where employees can reach their full potential across work, home, and community life.

Both panelists discussed the rising concern about mental health problems in the workforce. Sorensen cited the 2022 US Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-being, sharing that, “76% of workers currently report at least one mental health symptom. 84% report working conditions that contribute to poor mental health. And 81% report they’re looking for jobs that would support their well-being.” Isaacson contributed his own first-hand perspective as an employer, stating that, “We’re seeing more issues around mental health than we’ve ever seen before.” He also drew attention to the profound impact of the pandemic on work dynamics, blurring the lines between home and work and exacerbating mental health challenges such as loneliness and burnout.

To combat this increasing isolation, Isaacson employs every strategy he can to ensure that his employees thrive. “Larry Summers once said that in the history of humanity nobody ever washed a rented car,” he explained, “and so one of our goals is to make sure that our employees don’t feel like they’re working in the equivalent of a rented car. And the only way to do that is to give people agency.” Isaacson also works hard to cultivate a sense of pride and community within the company, and to build trust between himself and his employees by getting to know them personally. Sorensen argued that this sort of effective leadership is essential in mitigating stress and enhancing workplace culture, directly influencing workers’ mental health and overall job satisfaction. However, she also emphasized the necessity of societal-level changes, such as raising the minimum wage and fostering communal well-being, to address these issues.

Through discussions on mental health, systemic racism, climate challenges, and workplace dynamics, the first Chester Pierce Symposium underscored the importance of collective action and effective leadership. By drawing on diverse voices and experiences, the event fostered a holistic approach to tackling pressing societal issues, aiming to inspire resilient, equitable, and thriving communities. The lessons learned from this gathering echo Dr. Chester Pierce’s life-long commitment to justice and dignity, setting a precedent for future symposia to continue addressing the challenges of our time with empathy and collaboration.

Additional Resources

Synopsis Video

Full Symposium Recording

Article by Harvard Public Health

The East Boston Social Centers: A Catalyst for Community Belonging and Joy

As part of Center Director K. “Vish” Viswanath’s initiative to promote community well-being and health equity, the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness has begun working with the East Boston community. Originally a collection of five islands, East Boston is separated from the rest of the city by an inlet of Boston Harbor. This diverse urban neighborhood is home to more than 43,000 residents, many of whom are immigrants from Central and South America. Members of the East Boston community face numerous challenges, ranging from housing shortages and environmental pollution, to lack of access to food and educational programs.

However, East Boston also has important assets. For example, the community is served by the East Boston Social Centers, which were founded more than a hundred years ago to welcome and support immigrant families through early education programs and public health and social services. Today, the Social Centers continue this important work under the leadership of Executive Director Justin Pasquariello.

Motivated by his own experience in the foster care system, Justin Pasquariello started his career by founding Silver Lining Mentoring, a nonprofit which provides mentorship for foster and adopted youth. He went on to earn his MBA at Harvard Business School and MPA at Harvard Kennedy School, and worked at a variety of nonprofits, including serving for five years as Executive Director of Children’s HealthWatch. “I feel like I’ve been on a winding path trying to get to a place where my passions, what I can bring to the world, and the kind of work that I want to do all intersect,” expounded Mr. Pasquariello. “And this is that place.”

“East Boston Social Centers is a catalyst for community belonging and joy,” he declared. “We’re a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging.” The Social Centers have a wide variety of programs which support East Boston residents from birth to old age.

• Early Learners Program (ages 2 months to 5 years)
• Bright Minds Program (ages 5-14)
• Thriving Teens Program (ages 4-19)
• Active Adults Program (ages 55+)

A few examples of other community and family services are included below.

• Welcome Baby Program: members of the Active Adults Program knit hats and blankets for babies born in the community
• Family Engagement Network: provides outreach to families and connects parents with leadership opportunities
• Every Child Shines Program: bolsters kindergarten readiness
• English Language Learners Program: helps immigrants with their English proficiency
• Joyful Eastie Website: developed by local teens to share tips on how to spread positivity

In all their initiatives, the Social Centers seek to promote community joy. “At the East Boston Social Centers, we recognize that joy lives in community,” explained Mr. Pasquariello. He cited a paper by the Framingham Heart Study, which found that if the happiness of a friend of a friend of a friend increases and that person lives within a mile, then your happiness is likely to increase. “Happiness is more contagious than sadness,” Mr. Pasquariello asserted. “And when we support the happiness of our neighbors, we support our own happiness and well-being.”

Mr. Pasquariello defines joy in terms of five pillars: relationships, purpose, fitness, mindfulness, and fun. “We are still pretty early on in our work to increase joy in community,” he explained, “but we know what matters most.”

The East Boston Social Centers’ focus on community joy sparked a partnership with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness. This collaboration is part of an initiative led by Center Director Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath to promote health equity through the translation of well-being knowledge to local communities. Now, Center Research Assistant and Harvard T.H. Chan Master of Public Health graduate Elaine Jeon (pictured left) is working with the Social Centers to support evaluation efforts as part of their intervention on community joy.

“We need to better understand from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective what is happening in the community, and so that research partnership makes an important difference,” said Mr. Pasquariello. “The question of how we significantly increase joy at a community level is something we don’t have all the answers to, and that’s why we’re really grateful to have partners at the Center for Health and Happiness. I think this can be a real model of how academia and communities can work together to solve problems on the ground.”

In addition to conducting research with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, the Social Centers have partnered with the Shah Family Foundation and MassINC on Boston’s first citywide survey about joy. You can read about the results of the survey here.

Mr. Pasquariello has ambitious plans for the future of joy in East Boston. He outlined plans to host a Community Joy Summit, bringing together academic and community leaders to review the data gathered by the Social Centers and formulate a shared strategy. Additionally, he detailed his plans for the Joy Ambassador Program, a micro-entrepreneurship program focused on joy. This initiative would encourage individuals to launch small-scale, evidence-based projects promoting community joy, followed by an evaluation of their effectiveness. As an example, Mr. Pasquariello mentioned a community dinner program that could enhance food access and foster socialization. “What we want to do is democratize joy,” emphasized Mr. Pasquariello, “So that anyone can access it, no matter who they are.”

The East Boston Social Centers are undertaking noteworthy efforts and have plans to further expand these initiatives as resources permit. So, what can members of the public do to contribute?

According to Justin Pasquariello, researchers, public health professionals, and policymakers all have important roles to play. Researchers can collaborate with the Social Centers to conduct additional research into the question of how to build joy in communities; and public health professionals can partner with policymakers to devise new and creative ways to utilize health care funding and integrate joy in the development of new policies.

Mr. Pasquariello emphasized that joy should be at the center of policymaking, arguing, “I think we should score policies by considering whether, on net, is this going to increase joy and well-being or is this going to subtract from it?” He proposed that policymakers design communities in ways that allow people to more easily to pursue in-person relationships, find a sense of purpose, engage in fitness, and generally “make joy the downhill path.”

You can support the East Boston Social Centers in their work to promote community joy by donating or volunteering, or discuss potential partnerships by reaching out to Justin Pasquariello directly at jp@ebsoc.org. As the Social Centers slogan reads, “when all give, all gain.”

Written by Ayla Fudala, Center Communications Coordinator