Blog
Our blog hosts news, announcements, and information shared in between newsletter editions. Please register for our newsletter to stay up to date on all the exciting work at Social Prescribing USA.
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2025 Review
December 29, 2025
An Incredible Year for Social Prescribing in the U.S. and an Exciting Future
As 2025 comes to a close, Social Prescribing USA reflects on a year of major progress for the movement nationwide—from growing support among healthcare professionals, insurers, universities, and community partners to expanding awareness through major events and media coverage. SPUSA highlights key milestones like new convenings, national leadership efforts, expanded community networks, and exciting pilots launching in 2026. The post also looks ahead to an even stronger year, inviting supporters to help sustain and grow social prescribing across the U.S.
2025
December 5, 2025
This month, we spotlight the University of Washington’s Social Prescribing Program through an interview with Dr. Sebastian Tong, highlighting a hybrid model that blends one-on-one planning with an 8-week group support structure. Designed for primary care patients—including those managing chronic pain, opioid use, or young adults seeking connection—the program helps individuals build sustainable community ties with guidance from a dedicated connector.
October 7, 2025
Hank by Wider Circle – Combatting Loneliness for Adults 55+
This month, we’re spotlighting Hank by Wider Circle, a free digital platform for adults 55+ designed to reduce loneliness by connecting members to local and virtual activities that support health and well-being. From fitness classes and walking groups to socials, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities, Hank helps older adults stay active, build friendships, and engage with their communities. The platform is free to join, supported through Wider Circle partnerships, and tracks impact through participation data and member feedback on connection and well-being.
September 4, 2025
New Brown County, WI Initiative Shows How Social Prescribing is for ALL Communities
This month, we spotlight a grassroots social prescribing effort from Green Bay, WI, led by SAGE (Share, Accept, Grow, Encourage) and its “Social Prescription Calendar.” The initiative helps adults “self-prescribe” free arts and culture events across Brown County to support mental health and social connection. With support from local partner organizations acting as connectors, SAGE is expanding access through a community-driven, low-cost model that shows social prescribing can work in communities of all sizes.
August 18, 2025
“Assume it’s possible”: Reflecting on one year of The Connection Cure
Julia Hotz reflects on the growing momentum of social prescribing one year after the release of her book The Connection Cure, inspired by Dr. Sam Everington’s advice to “assume it’s possible.” She highlights major milestones—from global attention and public advocates to renewed support from major institutions and the rapid growth of new programs across the U.S.
June 9, 2025
An interview with Dr. Leif Hass, Social Prescribing Champion
This month, we spotlight Dr. Leif Hass, a hospitalist in Oakland, CA, who brings social prescribing into hospital care through simple, evidence-based “paper prescriptions” like gratitude notes, reconnecting with loved ones, and finding beauty in everyday moments. Designed especially for vulnerable and chronically ill patients, these small actions often create immediate joy, deeper trust, and meaningful reflection during difficult times.
April 12, 2025
Social Prescribing Meets Recreational Therapy
This month, SPUSA shared an interview with Dawn DeVries of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, exploring how recreational therapy connects with social prescribing. Recreational therapists use activity-based interventions to support people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and older adults across physical, emotional, and social needs.
March 2, 2025
Social Prescribing Program Spotlight: Open Source Wellness
This month, we’re spotlighting Open Source Wellness, an Oakland, CA-based organization that uses a “Community as Medicine” coaching model to support healthier lives through connection and community-based activities. Their approach brings social prescribing into real-world settings by helping people build habits around wellness, peer support, and shared accountability.
February 3, 2025
Big Social Prescribing Event in New York City
Social Prescribing USA partnered with UJA-Federation of NY for a major social prescribing summit in New York City, bringing together over 200 attendees to explore how community connection can improve health and reduce loneliness. The event featured leading voices from the U.S. and abroad and highlighted growing momentum for social prescribing across healthcare and community organizations.
January 7, 2025
Social Prescribing Program Spotlight: Project Connection
Project Connection is a mental health-focused social prescribing program based in Salt Lake City, Utah, using a “Relational Social Prescribing” model to help clients build meaningful connection, purpose, and support. Referrals come through therapists in outpatient clinics and schools, with link workers matching clients to personalized community-based prescriptions like grief support groups, community gardening, and volunteering.
2024
December 20, 2024
2024: Social Prescribing’s Incredible Year!
Celebrating a big year for social prescribing in the US.
December 4, 2024
Social Prescribing Program Spotlight: Kenji Health
Kenji Health amplifies the impact of social prescribing by giving organizations the tools to measure outcomes, map local resources, and personalize experiences.
November 11, 2024
Director’s Cut: Update from our Executive Director
Social Prescribing USA Co-founder Dr. Alan Siegel has transitioned into the new Executive Director for Social Prescribing USA.
November 3, 2024
Community of Practice Spotlight: Keralty Compassionate Communities
This month, we are introducing a new feature: profiles of organizations and individuals leading social prescribing efforts at the local level throughout the country.
September 10, 2024
Social Prescribing USA is awarded the ‘aMAEzing Visionary’ Award from the Kids & Arts Foundation
Social Prescribing USA awarded the Kids & Art Foundation 2024 aMAEzing Visionary Award.
August 30, 2024
Program Recap: Social Health & Connection Event
Highlights from Fall kickoff event on social health on September 5th in Mill Valley, CA.
August 28, 2024
Join or Die Film - Join a watch party!
A new, nationwide effort to encourage in-person gatherings around independent film launches on September 15th with screenings of Join or Die.
August 13, 2024
Canada’s Social Prescribing Conference - First in North America
The first social prescribing conference in North America is coming!
July 23, 2024
ArtPharmacy Goes Statewide in Massachusetts
Introducing the United States’ first state-wide arts prescribing initiative.
July 9, 2024
Survey: American Support of Social Prescribing
A poll from research firm YouGov shows strong US support for social prescribing.
June 12, 2024
Julia Hotz on The Connection Cure
Julia Hotz will soon publish The Connection Cure, the first U.S. book on social prescribing. Read our interview with the author.
June 4, 2024
The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service and Belonging is a landmark book. Coming in June from journalist Julia Hotz, the book will be the first in the U.S. about social prescribing!
June 3, 2024
The Art and Science of Connection: Book
Also coming in June from social health advocate Kasly Killam, is a groundbreaking redefinition of what it means to be healthy via The Art and Science of Connection.
June 2, 2024
The New York Times on Social Prescribing
The Social Prescribing movement is increasingly becoming mainstream! We were excited to collaborate with The New York Times on a large article about the growing movement.