Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 66.65
Liaison Austin Sutherland
Submission Date Aug. 9, 2021

STARS v2.2

University of Pennsylvania
IN-47: Innovation A

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Nature Rx

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
With support from the Office of the Provost, Penn Center for Public Health Initiatives (CPHI), Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), and other campus partners, Penn has launched a Nature Rx program. The idea behind Nature Rx is writing prescriptions to be out in nature, since research has shown that time spent in nature can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. Our hope is to engage Penn students, faculty, and staff to go out in nature to reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy, and have protective, restorative time. This program is based on a successful model from Cornell University.

While the idea is to give out "prescriptions," anyone can recommend nature to a friend or colleague. We have many campus partners that will be interacting with the Penn community who will be providing prescriptions as a reminder that spending time outside is a free and impactful way to feel relief. Penn provides an interactive map showing local green spaces and has partner programs such as weekly wellness walks that offer easy ways to get outside.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
None
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/nature-refuge-unsettling-times
http://bit.ly/naturerxpenn

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