Introduction

When most people think of a prescription, they think of medication. However, a growing healthcare approach known as social prescribing challenges this assumption. What if a healthcare provider could prescribe a community walking group, an art class, or a volunteer program instead?

The Alliance for Healthier Communities defines social prescribing as “a holistic healthcare approach that allows medical professionals to formally refer patients to non-clinical, community-based services.” By connecting healthcare with community resources, social prescribing helps bridge the gap between medical care and daily life. It recognizes that health is influenced not only by biology and medical treatment, but also by the social environments in which people live.

Care Involving Community

Social factors such as isolation and loneliness can contribute to poor health outcomes. Social prescribing connects individuals to local resources such as art classes, hiking groups, community volunteers, and reading groups. Engaging in these activities can foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social relationships.

These connections matter because our social environment is a key social determinant of health. Research has shown that factors such as social support, community engagement, and access to resources can influence overall well-being. By creating opportunities for meaningful connection and purpose, community involvement can provide support that extends beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Daily Balance

Social prescribing can support both health and overall well-being. Participating in enjoyable and meaningful activities may help individuals manage stress, build resilience, and discover new interests. This approach recognizes that health is not solely physical, but also includes mental, emotional, and social well-being.

By encouraging healthy routines and stronger community connections, social prescribing empowers individuals to take an active role in their health. It may also help reduce feelings of isolation and promote sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term well-being.

Conclusion: Looking Beyond the Prescription

One of the most interesting aspects of social prescribing is that it challenges how we traditionally think about healthcare. While medications, procedures, and clinical treatments remain essential, they are only one part of the picture. Many factors that influence health occur outside of clinics and hospitals, including social support, community connections, access to resources, and broader social determinants of health.

This perspective resonates with many of the questions explored in our lab. Whether examining barriers to oral healthcare among visible minority populations, exploring health inequities, or studying the experiences of individuals living with chronic diseases, our work highlights the importance of understanding health beyond biological factors alone.

Social prescribing does not replace medical care, but it recognizes that improving health outcomes sometimes requires addressing the social and structural factors that shape people's lives. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, approaches such as social prescribing encourage us to think more broadly about what it truly means to support health and well-being.

Interested in learning more? 

The World Health Organization has developed a toolkit outlining how social prescribing programs can be implemented in communities around the world.

Further Reading: 

• WHO Social Prescribing Toolkit

• Rx: Community Social Prescribing in Ontario

• Social Prescribing Outcomes: A Mapping Review (2023)