BC Parks Foundation

Halton Healthcare Makes History as the First Hospital System in Canada to Join PaRx 

In a groundbreaking moment for healthcare and conservation in Canada, Halton Healthcare has become the first hospital system in the country to partner with the BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program, an initiative that prescribes nature as medicine.

This innovative partnership empowers over 1,000 local healthcare providers to prescribe time in nature to their patients, harnessing the scientifically proven benefits of outdoor activity to improve physical and mental health. Through collaboration with Conservation Halton, patients can also access 10 free visits to local parks, creating opportunities for activities like hiking, wildlife observation, and relaxation in natural settings.

The PaRx initiative is part of a growing movement among healthcare providers to use nature as a powerful tool for wellness. By addressing physical and mental health concerns while fostering a deeper connection to the environment, Halton Healthcare’s leadership sets an inspiring precedent for other health systems across the country. 

"This is just the beginning," says Jennie McCaffrey, Vice President of Health and Education at the BC Parks Foundation. "We invite health organizations and hospital systems across Canada to join the PaRx movement. Spending just two hours a week in nature lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall well-being. Plus, when healthcare providers prescribe nature, they’re encouraging deeper connections to the environment. That connection can spark real conservation efforts and help create a healthier planet for generations to come.” 

Ready to discover how nature can improve your health? Learn more about PaRx and how you can benefit from nature prescriptions today.