AUGUSTA — Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges facing Maine’s older population, according to the Maine Public Health Association.

The organization held its annual conference Monday in Augusta, focused on the theme “Connections Build Health.”

“We are seeing a major crisis with social isolation across our state,” said Matt Wellington, the association’s associate director. “We need to rebuild the social connection infrastructure that we’ve lost over the years. And so that’s what today is all about — how do we do that effectively?”

Healthcare workers from across Maine spent the day tackling that question.

“If we’re going to make Maine a healthier, safer place, it’s going to take all of us across sectors,” Wellington said. “Today is a chance for people to make those connection

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