Massachusetts Becomes First State With a Social Prescription Program
A first-ever social prescription program has launched in Massachusetts making it the first state in the country with one. But what exactly is a “social prescription program”?
Also known as social prescribing, NHS England describes a social prescription program as “an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.”
This program is a partnership between Mass Cultural Council, the private organization Art Pharmacy and Mass General Brigham. As Mass Cultural Council executive director Michael Bobbitt told Boston.com, “The basic premise is that health care providers could prescribe arts activities to their patients to support their health care needs. You go to a doctor and the doctor diagnoses you and then writes your prescription that gives you and your family or you and your partner tickets to the museum, a class, or to the theater.”
As unusual as the practice might sound in the United States, a program like this is very common in other areas in the world. Art Pharmacy CEO Chris Appleton told Boston.com that social prescription programs have been around for decades and are often part of socialized national health care systems.
Arts and cultural activities have long been tied to positive effects on someone’s overall health. According to the World Health Organization, “Art can help us to emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events. The creation and enjoyment of the arts helps promote holistic wellness and can be a motivating factor in recovery.”
Mayor Wu Extends Free BPS Sundays Museum Program
Speaking of the arts, Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced that “BPS Sundays,” the program offering free admission to local museums and zoos for Boston Public Schools students and their families, has been extended through the end of the year.
The program, which was first announced during Mayor Wu’s 2024 State of the City address, kicked off in February and was originally going to run through August. Mayor Wu said via Instagram, “Since February, more than 36,000 students and families have joined us to experience the joy and wonder our cultural institutions have to offer. We’re so grateful to all our partners for giving our young people and their families a window to the world.”
“BPS Sundays” take place on the first and second Sunday of each month. It allows BPS students and up to three of their family members free admission to the following local museums and zoos:
-The Boston Children’s Museum
-The Institute of Contemporary Art
-The Museum of Fine Arts
-Museum of Science
-The New England Aquarium
-The Franklin Park Zoo
For entry, BPS students must present their student transportation card and the weekly email sent to each student either printed out or on a mobile device. A student’s entry pass cannot be transferred to another person. At this time, students who live in Boston but aren’t enrolled in one of the city’s public schools are not included in the program.
Boston.gov notes, “Institutions frequently reach capacity, so families are encouraged to pre-register and reserve tickets online, and ensure that their email address is updated in the BPS system.”
