Welcome to the
New York Outdoor Rx Coalition
GETTING NEW YORK’S MILITARY-CONNECTED COMMUNITY
OUTDOORS
The New York Outdoor Rx Coalition (NYORx) is a collective of public and private organizations working together to improve outdoor access for New York’s 1M+ military-connected community—including Active-Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reserve members, Veterans, their families and caregivers, and Gold Star Families.
With more than 250 State Parks and other recreational properties, along with approximately 4.6 million acres of DEC-managed lands, New York offers extraordinary opportunities to get outdoors.
NYORx connects the organizations that provide these outdoor experiences with organizations and agencies serving the military-connected community—and with members of the community themselves.
WHY THE OUTDOORS MATTER
Sometimes the best reason to get outdoors is the simplest one: it’s fun—spending time with family and friends, doing something you already enjoy, trying something new, expanding your skills, challenging yourself, or simply experiencing the awe and enjoyment of being in nature.
For many members of the military-connected community, participating alongside others with shared lived experiences can create an additional sense of connection and belonging.
Outdoor experiences can also help reduce everyday stress and anxiety, strengthen social connections, and support better health and emotional fitness.
A STATEWIDE COLLABORATIVE
The New York Outdoor Rx Coalition grew from New York State’s Outdoor Rx Act and the subsequent Outdoor Rx Report, which identified barriers that can prevent Veterans and other members of the military-connected community from accessing New York’s parks, public lands, waters, and outdoor programs.
The Coalition was created to bring public and private organizations together to help mitigate those barriers and expand outdoor access and opportunities.
During its initial development, NYORx brought together:
156 Organizations
All 9 NYS DEC Regions
54 of New York’s 62 Counties
Today, we are building on that foundation and expanding the NYORx community.
WHO WE BRING TOGETHER
Outdoor Providers
Organizations that offer outdoor recreation, adventure, education, wellness, and structured outdoor programs.
Other Veteran Service Organizations
Veteran-serving organizations including health and behavioral-health providers, social-service organizations, educational institutions, employers, and others serving the military-connected community.
Government, Education & Research
Government agencies, policymakers, educators, researchers, and others working to improve outdoor access, knowledge, policy, and outcomes.
Military-Connected Community
Active-Duty Service Members, National Guard, Reserve, Veterans, Spouses & Partners, Families, Caregivers, and Gold Star Families
Individuals interested in outdoor opportunities and staying connected with the New York Outdoor Rx Coalition.
A SHARED PURPOSE
NYORx brings these communities together to:
Connect people and organizations.
Increase awareness of outdoor programs and opportunities.
Reduce barriers to access and participation.
Support research into the benefits of outdoor experiences.
Educate providers and referral partners.
Inform policy that can improve outdoor access for New York’s military-connected community
Help Us Expand Outdoor Access Across New York
Whether you provide outdoor programs, serve the military-connected community, contribute to research or policy, or simply want to discover more opportunities to get outdoors, there’s a place for you in the New York Outdoor Rx Coalition.