WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The national Veterans and Military Outdoors Coalition and New York’s Outdoor Rx Coalition are adding Blue Star Families, one of the largest military family organizations in the country, to their membership.
"We are delighted to be added to these wonderful coalitions of like-minded organizations," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, the organization’s founder and CEO. "Blue Star Families recognizes the healing and therapeutic powers of experiencing the great outdoors, and we encourage all military families, regardless of where they live, to turn off their devices and enjoy time outside together."
Launched in 2021, the Veterans and Military Outdoors Coalition is a national partnership of more than 35 organizations focused on improving veterans health nationwide through access to nature-based therapies and outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Rx Coalition, which also began work in 2021, is an alliance of 67 groups in New York advocating for the effective implementation of the state’s Outdoor Rx Act, which seeks to make it easier for veterans to heal from service-related trauma on public lands.
Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower military families to thrive as they serve, connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support. Blue Star Families helps with the unique challenges of military family life in numerous ways: programs for spouse career development, supporting family activities and events, and by providing critical peer support for caregivers, among others. The organization’s Blue Star Outdoors program empowers its members to experience tranquility, community, and opportunity in outdoor spaces everywhere, leading to stronger communities, a deeper sense of belonging, and a greater sense of well-being.
Studies consistently show that veterans who participate in outdoor adventure and experiential education programs report measurable reductions in depression and anxiety as well as an increased willingness to seek mental health care. Legislation to remove barriers preventing veterans from accessing public lands for healing purposes passed in both Congress and the New York State Legislature in 2020.
"We are happy to welcome Blue Star Families to the Veterans and Military Outdoors and Outdoor Rx coalitions," said Lt. Col. (ret.) Aaron Leonard, Chair of the Veterans and Military Outdoors and Outdoor Rx coalitions. "Working collectively will help to ensure that all veterans can heal on the lands they swore an oath to protect."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.