Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing

?? Now available: ???????????? ?????????????????????? ???? ???????????? 2025: ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ????????!? ? Social prescribing is transforming the way we think about health care—bridging the gap between medical treatment and social support. ? ? This report provides an in-depth look at how social prescribing is advancing health equity, integrated care, person-centred approaches and community resilience in Canada, offering current regional developments, case studies, and research publications that showcase its impact on reducing health care utilization and improving outcomes.? ? With a growing evidence base of its benefits – including reduced health care utilization and improved health outcomes – social prescribing is a vital component of Canada’s health care future.? ? We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this report, and to all who are working in and championing social prescribing in Canada and globally — your dedication is driving a transformative shift toward a more integrated, equitable, and community-driven health system, and we at CISP are honored to be part of the movement!? ? Read the full report here:?https://bit.ly/3RgzoLb? #SocialPrescribing? #CommunityWellbeing Sandi Pelly Judy O'Keefe, RSW, MSW, CHE SeniorsNL Nova Scotia Health Authority Natasha Beaudin Alliance for Healthier Communities Sue Hesjedahl Older Adult Centres' Association of Ontario (OACAO) Alayne Adams Paola L. Centre Eva Marsden pour la justice sociale et le vieillissement Beth Mansell Healthy Aging Alberta Connie Newman Rod McKendrick C.M. Holly Schick Bobbi Symes, MA, CPG United Way British Columbia Tarek Hussein Weller Pharmacy Nicole D'souza Rexdale Community Health Centre Black Creek Community Health Centre Canadian Social Prescribing Student Collective Chigamik Community Health Centre Rebecca Barnstaple Makenzie Morgan Canadian Opera Company Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence Liv Mendelsohn, M.A., M.Ed. Grace Smith Olivia Olesinski sue bennett Caitlin Muhl, MPH, PhD Nicole Racine University of Ottawa Grace Park Fraser Health Authority University Health Network Kate Mulligan

5 experts, 5 ideas on health for this year's federal election: - Improve access to primary care (Joss Reimer) - Expand the use of nurse practitioners (Dr. Valerie Grdisa) - Invest in #SocialPrescribing for everyone (that's us!) - Implement longer-term solutions for substance use crises (Alexander Caudarella) - Protect women's health and healthcare (Dre Diane Francoeur) "Experts like Kate Mulligan, assistant professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, are urging the federal government to focus on Social Prescribing. “Social prescribing really reduces unnecessary health-care visits to emergency rooms and primary care,” she said, noting that it can lead to better outcomes for both patients and health-care providers. With social isolation becoming a growing issue in Canada and around the world, Mulligan hopes to see the federal government take action by supporting and funding social prescribing initiatives nationwide." Thanks Katie Dangerfield for ensuring these pressing issues can reach the election agenda: https://lnkd.in/g42-4ZHf

In this critical moment, there is both a need and an opportunity to advance transformational change in our health system. The work of Alliance members, described and guided by our Model of Health and Wellbeing, exemplifies the kind of change we envision for the whole system. Alliance members have created health neighbourhoods by reaching beyond their doors and integrating health care, community development, and support for the social determinants of health. There is an abundance of evidence that this approach advances health equity and improves population health, helping people stay out of hospital and in the community. ? Please join us on Friday, April 4, from 12-1 pm, for "Connected Health Neighbourhoods: A Vision for Health System Transformation." Our CEO,?Sarah Hobbs, and our Director of Research and Policy, Jennifer Rayner, will present an overview of our vision for a transformed health system and lead a discussion about how it can be achieved. ? This vision, once realized, will have the potential to advance health equity and vastly improve the sustainability of our health system and the wellbeing of people across Ontario. ? We hope to see you there – but if you can’t attend it live, register anyway to receive the recording and slide deck. ? #ONHealth, #PrimaryCare, #PrimaryHealthCare, #IntegratedCare, #HealthSystemTransformation

Pharmacists ?? Social Prescribing: https://bit.ly/427fLKI When considering ways to expand access to whole-person care, pharmacists play a key role in social prescribing, connecting people to community supports alongside medical care. In a recent article, Liz O’Hagan highlights this growing approach—echoing insights from Tarek Hussein in our recent webinar. Missed the discussion? ?? Watch the recording to hear how pharmacists, along with other allied health care professionals and community organizations are advancing social prescribing in Canada: https://bit.ly/3RgzoLb

??? Challenging Dementia Stigma Through Dance ????? Join us on April 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET for a special screening of Dancer Not Dementia: A Short Film, followed by an insightful discussion with experts Dr. Pia Kontos (KITE Research Institute, University Health Network) and Dr. Rachel Bar (Canada's National Ballet School). This powerful documentary highlights how dance fosters joy, creativity, and social connection for individuals living with dementia. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! ?? Date: April 24, 2025 ? Time: 12:00 PM ET ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gvEVR-7H #DancerNotDementia #DementiaAwareness

Thank you, Sonia Hsiung! You have been our fearless leader, shaping CISP into a network with both national and global impact. Your vision, passion, and unwavering dedication have inspired us all, and we are so grateful for everything you’ve helped us build. While we will deeply miss you at CISP, we’re excited to see you step into this new role and continue driving change on a global scale. ? Our team remains committed to working with our incredible network of partners to advance person-centred care, champion social prescribing, and push for more integrated care across Canada. We look forward to continuing this work with our incredible network of partners and invite our community to stay connected and collaborate with us: https://lnkd.in/g8FZVXB8 ? Thank you, Sonia, for everything! Wishing you all the best in this next chapter.

?? Reminder! Join Us Tomorrow for the Canadian Social Prescribing Exchange ?? We're continuing the momentum from #SocialPrescribingDay with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow the movement. ?? Happening tomorrow at 1 PM ET The Canadian Social Prescribing Exchange is an open space for individuals and organizations across Canada to: ? Learn more about #socialprescribing ?? Network with implementers & practitioners ?? Explore ideas to advance community health Don't miss out—register now and join the conversation! ?? https://bit.ly/4gbxiX5

The medical system can fix your broken bone. #SocialPrescribing can get you back to dancing. See how social prescribing can be a low-cost, high-benefit solution to what ails healthcare in Canada, here on The Social with Melissa Grelo and Cynthia Loyst. Many thanks to producer Emilie Hanskamp and the CTV News team for helping us celebrate #SocialPrescribingDay on your "Care in Canada" series.

? Happy Social Prescribing Day! ?? ? We’re excited to celebrate Social Prescribing Day by honoring the power of community, connection, and holistic well-being. Together, we’re building a future where social and community supports are ?????????????????? to health care.? ? Join us virtually today for “Building Integrated Care: Diverse Approaches to Social Prescribing in Canada” to learn more about?how social prescribing is bridging health and social care in Canada through innovative models across different sectors ?? https://bit.ly/4aSxjyb ? ?? Live French interpretation available?(Interprétation en direct en fran?ais offerte) During this webinar, we will also be launching the first-ever Social Prescribing in Canada Report—your go-to resource for understanding the current landscape, progress, and opportunities to strengthen our health care system through community-driven support and interventions.?? ? Don’t miss it!? ? #SocialPrescribingDay #SocialPrescribing?

We’re excited to announce the launch of our series of evidence-based ???????? ???????????? ???? ???????????? ?????????????????????? – now available on our website: https://bit.ly/3RgzoLb We’ve heard you: social prescribing champions need strong evidence and clear resources to support conversations with funders, policymakers, local governments, and decision-makers. Just in time for Social Prescribing Day, these pertinent resources offer facts ? , statistics?, and evidence? on the impact and benefits of social prescribing across diverse populations and prescriptions. We’d love to hear how you plan to use these Fact Sheets and the meaningful conversations you’re looking to spark in your community!?? #SocialPrescribing #EvidenceBased #SocialPrescribingDay?