PaRx recognized with 2025 Doctors of BC Excellence in Health Promotion Award

PaRx has been awarded the 2025 Doctors of BC Excellence in Health Promotion Award, recognizing its role in advancing preventative care across British Columbia.

Launched in 2020 by BC Parks Foundation, PaRx is a national nature prescription program that supports healthcare providers in prescribing time outdoors to improve patient health. Grounded in extensive research, the program is built on a simple, evidence-based recommendation: at least two hours per week in nature, with time spent outside linked to reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, and better overall wellbeing.

Since its inception, more than 21,000 healthcare providers across Canada have registered with PaRx, including a significant portion of physicians in BC. An estimated 1.8 million Canadians have received nature prescriptions, helping them incorporate time outdoors into their care and daily lives.

The award, presented annually by Doctors of BC, recognizes individuals and initiatives that are making meaningful contributions to the health of communities across the province.

PaRx has grown steadily through a network of partnerships that help remove barriers to access, from national programs like Parks Canada Discovery Passes to local initiatives that connect patients with nearby nature. Doctors of BC estimates that to date, these partnerships have reduced the cost of accessing nature by more than $300,000 for patients.

With strong support from leaders including the Honourable Josie Osborne and Premier David Eby, the program is helping shift how care is delivered, making time in nature a practical, everyday part of health.