About the

OUTDOOR RX
COALITION

OUTDOOR RX

Improving access to the healing power of nature

The Outdoor Rx Act was signed into law November 11, 2020.

  • Declared that protecting the physical, mental, and behavioral health of veterans is critical to ensure successful re-entry into civilian life

  • Acknowledged studies indicating that time outdoors can be a valuable adjunct therapy in addition to more traditional health care, while also reducing reliance on prescription medication

  • Mandated a state-wide study of barriers faced by service members, veterans, and their families when accessing New York's parks, public lands, and waters

The resulting study — the Outdoor Rx Report — was published May 2021. One of its recommendations was to form a coalition of public & private organizations that could coordinate & synchronize veteran service organizations and public agencies at the state & federal levels.

The Outdoor Rx Coalition launched April 26, 2022.

To date, the coalition has brought together over 150 unique organizations covering 54 of New York’s 62 counties — and has plans for continued expansion.

OUTDOOR RX MISSION

The coalition facilitates collaboration among public & private partners to improve access to the healing power of nature for all New York military-connected communities. Our goals:

  • Raise awareness of outdoor recreation and therapeutic programs

  • Identify and mitigate barriers to access 

  • Ensure implementation of the Outdoor Rx Act

If you’re a service provider, join the coalition & help us improve

access to the outdoors for veterans & their families

Membership is free & new members are accepted on an ongoing basis. The primary requirement is that you have the authority to represent your organization.

OUTDOOR RX TEAM 

We are passionate about the outdoors.

  • Joe Hunt

    Outdoor Rx Coalition Director

    ARMY VETERAN

    Bio

  • Aaron Leonard

    Another Summit Executive Program Director
    Guardian Revival

    ARMY RETIRED

    Bio

Advisory Members

Our advisors include members of the original Outdoor Rx Committee who were instrumental in getting the Outdoor Rx Act passed.

We are honored to have their continued support & guidance.

  • Ryan Ashe

    Director Health Facilities Management

    NYS Department of Health

  • Yolanda Bostic-Williams

    Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

    NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

  • Patricia Bowes

    Director, Intergovernmental Relations

    NYS Office of Mental Health

  • Owen Gilbo

    ADA Coordinator

    NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

  • Kristopher Moses

    Supervisor, OASAS Recovery Bureau

    NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

  • Katharine Petronis

    Deputy Commissioner of Natural Resources

    NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  • Benjamin Pomerance

    Deputy Commissioner for Program Development and Training

    NYS Department of Veterans' Services

  • David Terry

    Director

    Livingston County Veterans Services Agency

  • Morgan Woodson

    Special Assistant for Outreach Activities

    NYS Department of Veterans' Services

Committees

The Outdoor Rx Coalition Committees actively work on issues related to increasing access to the outdoors from different perspectives: Policy, Education, and Research.

Outdoor Rx Committees keep progress moving forward

The Committees are composed of dedicated individuals who agree to:

  • Represent their organization’s interests & values

  • Collaborate on proposed policy changes

  • Participate in research

  • Identify educational opportunities

Each Committee is led by a chair who is a passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated member of the community and an expert in their respective field.

  • Policy

    Serves as a resource to & maintains regular communication with key policymakers through its Chair.

    This committee represents the coalition members in administrative advocacy.

  • Education

    Develops and maintains professional outdoor education and training that is freely available to coalition members and non-members.

    This committee prioritizes increasing the safety & efficacy of veteran and military outdoor programs.

  • Research

    Coordinates research efforts of member organizations, increasing collaboration between researchers and providers.

    This committee also examines the outcomes of multiple veteran & military outdoor program modalities.

Help impact policy, promote education, and facilitate research.

Individuals like you can make a difference!

Members of the coalition may apply to join a committee and collaborate on our long-term initiatives.

Outdoor Rx Coalition Members