BC Parks Foundation

By Randi-Marie Adams

B.C Doctors can now prescribe you a trip into nature.

Feb 2, 2022 | 4:55 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A growing body of scientific evidence confirms that when you interact with nature, you can become healthier and more productive.

BC Parks Foundation has partnered with Parks Canada and created the Prescribe nature initiative. Physicians across B.C. and several other provinces are able to prescribe time in nature to help with people’s mental health as part of their health plan. Perscription ranges from time outside in local parks or even year-long Parks Canada Discovery Passes, which covers admission to more than 80 parks across the country.

“During COVID, I think that everyone really recognized the importance and benefits of getting outside in a variety of ways,” explains Andrew Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation “And that’s complemented by a ton of research and evidence, showing that nature can be very beneficial for a whole range of health”

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“I think that it’s brilliant, Canadian Mental Health Association for a long time has advocated for, not only mental health awareness and of course reduction of stigma, but, that really like {sic} you know when we look at our health we have to look at all the different areas,” said Shirley Hogan, from the Canadian Mental Health Association ” If we look at our mental health and our physical health and our social and our spiritual health and getting outside is often a really big piece of that.

If you’re interested in learning more speak with your health care provider or share the information with them.

The BC Parks Foundation invites other partners, governments, and funders to engage and collaborate with PaRx as it rolls out in BC and other provinces and territories over the next year.