Launching PaRx in Burnaby on May 9: Prescribe nature and connect patients to social supports
We are inviting all family physicians and nurse practitioners in Burnaby to join us on May 9 in Burnaby’s Central Park for a half-day of free family-friendly activities to boost health and well-being by connecting to nature.
This community event introduces the PaRx program and highlights how nature is one of the most accessible and effective health supports available to patients in Burnaby.
Prescribing Nature: Health is a Walk in the Park
On May 9, we are hosting a half-day of guided experiences in Central Park, including an Indigenous plant walk with Senaqwila Wyss, forest therapy sessions, and crafting activities like basket-weaving with invasive English Ivy and keychain-making with horse chestnuts. Entertainment for the day includes live musical performers, juggling, and some nature-inspired magic tricks.
Health care and community organizations will be there to connect patients with support, including information about Burnaby social prescribing initiatives, a pop-up screening clinic for metabolic conditions, and help with signing up for a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Learn more about the Prescribing Nature event and our activity schedule on the Burnaby PCN website:
Become a PaRx prescriber
This event marks the launch of the PaRx program in Burnaby through BC Parks Foundation—supporting health care providers to prescribe time in nature as part of your primary care.
Research shows that people who spend at least 2 hours in nature each week report significantly better health and well-being. Science suggests that the most efficient drop in cortisol (stress hormone) levels happens between 20-30 minutes. Spending more time in green space drops your risk of asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Burnaby Primary Care Network and the Burnaby Division of Family Practice have partnered with BC Parks Foundation to bring this unique initiative to Burnaby, expanding Burnaby’s social prescribing program.
We can support where health happens between appointments.
Social prescribing offers simple, low-barrier ways to support patients between visits.
Through Burnaby’s social prescribing program, you can connect your patients with local programs and services. This could look like a prescription for time in nature, food and meal programs, fitness or art classes, peer support or caregiver support groups, opportunities to be creative, move their body, or meet new people.
Funded through our Shared Care initiative, this work reflects how Divisions of Family Practice partner with community to expand care beyond the clinic and into everyday life.
