Ian Brickey: ian.brickey@sierraclub.org or (202) 675-6270
ALBANY, NY -- On Tuesday, April 26 at 2 p.m. ET, the Outdoor Rx Coalition will host a virtual press conference and webinar on the movement in New York to help veterans heal from service-related trauma on public lands.
The press conference coincides with the official launch of the coalition, a partnership of nonprofits, Veterans Service Organizations, universities, and others focused on facilitating access to the outdoors and nature therapy for veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families. Studies show that veterans who participate in outdoor adventure and experiential education programs report significant reduction in depression and anxiety as well as an increased willingness to seek mental health care.
WHAT: A press conference featuring state officials, outdoors experts, and veterans advocates to review the state of veterans’ health care in New York and how nature-based therapies can improve it. A webinar will immediately follow.
WHO:
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Keith G. Tidball, Ph.D., Associate Department Extension Leader and Senior Extension Associate, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Cornell University, and the Asst. Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Kristen Rouse, Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
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Commissioner James Hendon, New York City Department of Veterans' Services
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Andie Coakley, Director, Blue Star Families New York Tri-State Chapter
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Kathy Snyder, President/CEO, Beaver Hollow
WHEN: Tuesday, April 26 at 2 p.m. ET
HOW: Virtual; RSVP at ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
As of 2021, more than 714,000 veterans resided in New York State. With its recuperative effects, the outdoors offer a compelling option for many veterans to heal from trauma. Unfortunately, nature is not always accessible. A lack of transportation, a lack of outdoor experience or education, a lack of support and other barriers prevent many from experiencing the full benefits of nature. In 2020, New York took an important step last year by passing the Outdoor Rx Act, which seeks to dismantle these barriers so all veterans can heal on New York’s public lands and waters.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.