Greenspace Equity Program:1 in 3 Americans lacks access to nearby outdoor spaces, and lack of green space worsens extreme heat. Maryland S.B.923/H.B.503 established a program to increase equitable access to quality green spaces in overburdened & underserved areas.
Gardening in Housing: Gardening is one of the most effective outdoor interventions for mental health. Illinois H.B.3892 allows the housing development authority to create incentives for the affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening programs.
Healthy Childhood Task Force: Childhood time outdoors is the single greatest predictor of lifelong time outdoors. Louisiana (S.R.84) established a task force to promote healthy childhoods, especially through time outdoors in and out of school.
Outdoors Rx / Outdoor-Based Therapy Programs: Washington’s successful Parks Rx pilot program (S.B.5292) and the new Illinois Outdoor Rx program (H.B.1526) provide guidance and funding to promote health through outdoor access.
State Parks Wellness Policy Options
Prescribe A Park:Vermont and South Dakota empower healthcare providers to promote time outdoors by prescribing free park passes.
State Land As a Healthcare Resource: New York Outdoor Rx Act (A.8094A) requires a review of veterans’ abilities to access state parks, lands, and facilities, especially for outdoor therapies.
Help State Parks Prevent Suicide: State parks may be higher risk areas for suicide due to their remoteness, access, opportunity, and for some, lack of familiarity. States can support existing parks efforts to offer safe, welcoming facilities by identifying higher-risk areas and installing reasonable prevention solutions like signage, barriers, art, and/or lighting.
Support State Parks Staff After Incidents: States can also encourage that risk and incident management plans include opportunities for staff to attend trainings on mental health as well as offer post-incident support for impacted state land and parks staff.
Children & Nature Network Resource Library - Health & Wellbeing
Children & Nature Network works to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature and to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.
