DAVIS, Calif. — While outside enjoying the trees, a conversation between students began about how to better the mental health of others at UC Davis.
“We actually met with Cornell University because they were one of the first ones to start a program like this and we were really excited. Cornell was so helpful in getting this off the ground for us," said Sydney Holmes, a Health Promotion Specialist at UC Davis.
The program is called Nature RX — a prescription for better physical, mental and social lives just by enjoying the great outdoors.
“When they get this prescription, they actually have a business card that the providers give them. There's actually a QR code here on the front that leads them to a website that has steps on how to follow their prescription. It really only takes a hour and 20 minutes each week to show some effects for the students,” said Holmes.
According to the latest Healthy Minds survey of students across 133 college campuses, 44% of students reported symptoms of depression and 15% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.
It's why Holmes says pinpointing spaces for students to go to relieve that stress is vital.
“We actually have a beautiful arboretum on campus with a river running through its trees, beautiful flowers and it's just a great place for them to relax in between classes or take a walk with friends,” Holmes said.
“Students have so much going on. They have likely moved away from home, they are in a completely new environment here in Davis and just having nature can be very grounding to students as well as just provide them with an escape from their everyday school work or extracurricular,” said Michael Tsortos, a Aggie Mental Health Ambassador for the university.
Nature Rx is a currently pilot program going through the end of the year. After looking at the data and seeing what students need, they plan to expand over to the medical campus.
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