Welcome to the
New York Outdoor Rx Coalition
GETTING VETERANS
OUTDOORS
Information & resources to help 1M+ New York based service members, veterans, and their families access parks & public lands and experience the healing benefits of nature.
The New York Outdoor Rx Coalition is a collective of public & private organizations working together to improve outdoor access for 1M+ New York based service members, veterans, and their families.
With 240+ parks & accessible lands across 4.5 million acres in the state, New York offers a rich array of options for outdoor recreation. Natural environments provide important benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health & well-being.
How can we help you?
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I'm a Provider
Information about why and how referring your military-connected clients to outdoor programs enhances their well-being and improves your outcomes.
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I'm a Veteran
Plan, prepare and enjoy time outdoors to reduce anxiety, increase well-being & happiness, and connect with others who have shared experiences.
Our veterans need us
— and the outdoors
New York State is home to 1M+ service members, veterans, and their families.
According to a NY Health Foundation study, nearly half of all service members returning to civilian life in New York return with psychological injuries and/or substance use issues. Yet only one-third ever seek treatment.
Recent research shows promise that outdoor recreational activities support veterans’ mental health while circumventing the stigma many veterans face in initiating treatment.
Outdoor recreation:
Benefits veterans’ emotional well-being
Complements traditional mental health services & support
Increases positive attitudes toward seeking mental health support
OUTDOOR RX
MISSION
The coalition facilitates collaboration among public & private partners to improve access to the healing power of nature for all New York military-connected communities.
Our goals:
Raise awareness of outdoor recreation and therapeutic programs
Identify and mitigate barriers to access
Ensure implementation of the Outdoor Rx Act
Outdoor Rx Coalition Coverage Summary
The Outdoor Rx Coalition facilitates collaboration among public & private partners to improve access to the healing power of nature for all New York military-connected communities.
The coalition currently has 156 unique member organizations
Representation in all 9 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regions
Members in 54 of NYS’s 62 counties
Below is a representative sample of our member organizations.
Click a logo to learn more about their resources & offerings.
If you’re a service provider, join the coalition & help us improve
access to the outdoors for veterans & their families
Membership is free & new members are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The primary requirement is that you agree to be a representative of your organization & use your business domain email address.
NATURE HEALS
From Long Island and New York City up the Hudson Valley to the Catskills & Adirondacks and beyond, the Empire State offers a wealth of opportunities to get into the great outdoors and experience transformative change.
Stay in touch
Whether you’re a military service member, veteran, family member, sole practitioner, or simply passionate about improving access to the outdoors, we invite you to join our mailing list for occasional updates about the Outdoor Rx Coalition.