Connect. Engage. Thrive.

Simply put, social prescribing is a model where healthcare providers (and, in some models, teachers and other community members) can refer you to a "Link Worker" who can then connect you with community resources and assets. The goal is to provide these resources for free or at a discounted rate. Social prescribing is a great way to address the social determinants of health (SDoH) and encourage the development of healthy communities. Currently the most common form of social prescribing in the U.S. centers around food and housing. However, there is an opportunity and movement to expand into other areas of life that affect our health! For a formal, citable definition, please see the Muhl, et al., 2023 article.(https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070184)

Arts on prescription is a specific form of social prescribing in which participants are referred to active and passive arts activities.

Arts on prescription is distinct from arts in health in the "prescription" aspect. Arts in health programming can take place in communities or healthcare settings; as can arts on prescription programs. The difference is whether someone is referred to the program. For example, a Dance for Life class may have a flyer up in a neurologist's office. This would be considered arts in health. However, if you meet with a link worker or your provider and they say, "Since your Parkinson's diagnosis, I've been concerned for your social wellbeing. You mentioned being interested in dance before, would you like to attend this Dance for Life class?" That would be arts on prescription! And just remember, as clinical services, the creative arts therapies (visual arts, music, dance-movement, theater) are not included in arts in health or arts on prescription!

Often seen as NatureRx or ParksRx, these are social prescribing programs specifically intended to connect individuals with nature and their local parks. There are some parks that advertise "NatureRx" (or something similar), but is not technically social prescribing and they actually just want to highlight the health benefits of enjoying the outdoors.

FoodRx or Fruit and Veggie Rx programs are relatively popular. They aim to provide healthy food access to those who may not be able to afford them otherwise. Not to be confused with "prescribed food" programs (that may also advertise as FoodRx) that are intended to provide balanced and nutritious meals to people with specific dietary needs.

The link worker, in my opinion, makes or breaks a social prescribing program. They may also be called "care coordinator," "care navigator," or something else entirely! The link worker is the person who meets with participants to co-write a "prescription." The link worker will ideally be someone from the community who knows of all the assets in the area to refer to. They will be someone who is compassionate and a good listener, while also being organized enough to track their participants and follow through with them. Maybe someone comes to mind for you just from reading this description! Please see "Link Worker Resources" on the resources tab to learn more.

Have no fear, there is no wrong way to get started. This is what this website is for, so check out the resources tab and/or email me! I suggest starting with the Arts on Prescription field guide, even if you aren't building an arts-specific program. Be sure to build your program with the community you are wanting to serve -- the community should feel ownership for the program. Your program should encourage open dialogue so community members feel their voices are heard and needs are being met appropriately.