The University of Michigan has officially introduced two groundbreaking initiatives: Experience Rx and the Institute for Social Prescribing. These programs aim to enhance health and wellness by connecting individuals with non-clinical experiences, such as arts and nature. Social prescribing, a growing trend, seeks to reduce isolation and improve well-being beyond traditional medical solutions. This initiative positions the university as a leader in the field.
Social prescribing connects people with activities such as arts, movement, nature, and service to bolster health. These personalized prescriptions foster social connections, reduce isolation, and enhance both individual and community well-being. This approach expands traditional remedies like visiting a therapist or physician.
Experience Rx, part of the Well-being Collective, is among the first in the U.S. to offer comprehensive social prescribing on a college campus. Unlike other programs focusing on a single theme, Experience Rx spans arts, nature, physical activities, shared meals, and community service.
Programs like Nature Rx and Arts Rx, which preceded Experience Rx, offer templates for using university resources, events, and spaces effectively. “The U.S. is behind other countries when it comes to social prescribing. What we are doing at Michigan is really groundbreaking nationally,” stated Joy Pehlke, director of health promotion and Wolverine Wellness.
“Social prescribing is a dynamic tool for a thriving campus community,” added Mark Clague, executive director of the U-M Arts Initiative. “We have the resources at U-M to lead the way in social prescribing.”
The Institute for Social Prescribing, co-directed by Clague and Lindsey Mortenson, aims to research social prescribing programs globally. It benefits from seed funding by the Office of the Vice President for Research’s Impact Institutes. “We are really excited to better understand the design, implementation, and impact of social prescribing interventions,” Mortenson said.
Both initiatives are expected to grow, introducing new programs and research opportunities. Interested individuals can join mailing lists for updates. Social prescribing’s versatility appeals to non-clinicians and clinical care providers alike.
The Well-being Collective hosted Kate Mulligan, a social prescribing expert from the University of Toronto, to discuss these initiatives. “Kate describes this work in a really beautiful way: we shift from what is the matter with you to what matters to you,” said Rob Ernst, the university’s chief health officer.
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