Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
ALBANY, NY -- This week, the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and others officially launched the Outdoor Rx Coalition, a first-in-the-nation partnership for improving veterans health through nature-based therapies on public lands and waters.
The new partnership will examine barriers preventing New York veterans from accessing public lands and waters to heal from service-related trauma, boost the availability of effective outdoor programs, and facilitate communication between State agencies and the many organizations serving veterans.
“We are pleased to join forces with the Division of Veterans’ Services to advance this critical effort,” said Lt. Col. (ret.) Aaron Leonard, Chair of the Outdoor Rx Coalition. “Working collectively will allow us to reach those veterans most in need of the healing and respite only nature can provide.”
The coalition’s official launch on Tuesday April 26 was attended by Assemblymember Didi Barrett (District 106), the original sponsor of the Outdoor Rx Act, Commissioner James Hendon of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, and Viviana DeCohen, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services.
“We are so thankful for the ongoing work of the Outdoor Rx Coalition and we are excited to formalize our partnership to expand access to outdoor therapies and public lands,” DeCohen said. “This collaboration will allow us to continue our work to ensure all veterans, including historically under-served populations, feel welcome and have entry to these life-changing therapies and programs.”
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.
A recording of the official launch is available here, passcode: gjx01E&Q.
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.