Ian Brickey: (202) 675-6270, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
Albany, N.Y. -- On Tuesday April 26, the Outdoor Rx Coalition will host a press conference and webinar on the movement in New York to help veterans heal from service-related trauma on public lands.
The event marks the official launch of the Outdoor Rx Coalition, a partnership of nonprofits, Veterans Service Organizations, universities, and others focused on facilitating access to the outdoors and nature therapy for veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families. As of 2021, more than 714,000 veterans resided in New York State.
Studies show that veterans who participate in outdoor adventure and experiential education programs report significant reduction in depression and anxiety as well as an increased willingness to seek mental health care. In 2020, New York became one of the first states in the country to pursue so-called “Outdoor Rx” legislation with the passage of the Outdoor Rx Act.
Event: Official launch of the New York State Outdoor Rx Coalition
When: April 26, 2022, 2 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Virtual (URL forthcoming)
Agenda:
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Welcome
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Opening Remarks
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Press Conference
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Webinar
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Closing
List of Speakers:
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Keith G. Tidball, Ph.D., Associate Department Extension Leader and Senior Extension Associate, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Cornell University, and the Asst. Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Kristen Rouse, Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
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Commissioner James Hendon, New York City Department of Veterans' Services
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Andie Coakley, Director, Blue Star Families New York Tri-State Chapter
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Kathy Snyder, President/CEO, Beaver Hollow
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.