Governor Maura T. Healey Proclaims September 28 “Good Neighbor Day”

The office of Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed September 28, 2024, “Good Neighbor Day” across the Commonwealth. As the proclamation notes, “all residents are encouraged to join in this celebration by reaching out to their neighbors, extending acts of kindness and goodwill, and fostering strong bonds within our communities.”

Good Neighbor Day comes at a time when people are more divided and isolated than ever. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory report calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. Recognizing that these factors pose serious health risks for both personal and societal well-being, Good Neighbor Day is an opportunity for communities to come together and re-stitch the social fabric frayed by the pandemic, political polarization, alienating technology, and other factors.

“The Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness is excited to launch and promote the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Day of Action,” said Coalition co-founder, Sandra Harris, who also serves as volunteer President of AARP in the state. “Too many of us feel disconnected from the people we live and work around. Good Neighbor Day of Action is just the first step in creating a culture of kindness and respect because --as a state, as communities, as individuals--we are stronger and healthier together.”

View the full press release here.

View the proclamation here.