Park Rx
The mission of Park Rx is to enable healthcare providers to prescribe patient visits to parks and other natural areas in real-time in the clinical practice setting. The VISION of the program is to strengthen the connection between natural areas and improve the human condition via healthcare providers recognizing and embracing nature as a resource for improving our physical, mental, and societal well-being. Park Rx America is the only Park Rx program to link a "park formulary’’ (searchable database of parks) directly into the electronic health record (EHR) granting medical providers the ability to prescribe parks "in real-time" to their patients. Substantial research has already been done regarding the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. For instance, spending time in green spaces lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure. Park Rx America is collaborating with academics to further the effectiveness of the Park Rx America park prescription model.
