Canada’s National Nature Prescription Program launches in Newfoundland and Labrador

PaRx, Canada’s national, evidence-based nature prescription program powered by the BC Parks Foundation, has been recognized internationally as an innovative way to improve health and wellbeing. Starting with a BC launch in November 2020, it completed its launch in all 10 provinces by rolling out in Newfoundland and Labrador on June 28^th, 2022. 

Featuring practical resources like quick tips and patient handouts, its goal is to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective. And thanks to the program’s collaboration with Parks Canada, registered prescribers can prescribe one free Parks Canada Discovery Pass per month to patients, prioritizing those who live close to Parks Canada administered sites, and for whom the cost of a pass would be a barrier to access (details here).

As part of the NL launch, and out of gratitude to health-care workers, the BC Parks Foundation is offering free remote nature therapy sessions led by certified nature therapy guides to all prescribers so they can experience the stress-relieving benefits of nature themselves. 

Check out www.parkprescriptions.ca for more information on nature prescriptions and to register to become a prescriber.