A groundbreaking health initiative is coming to Connecticut as Art Pharmacy, a healthcare services company, partners with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) to develop a statewide social prescribing ecosystem. This program will allow healthcare providers and institutions to prescribe participation in arts and cultural activities as a way to improve health outcomes.
“In the face of the dual mental health and loneliness crises, arts-based social prescribing provides an accessible, effective and enjoyable intervention for the growing number of individuals in need of treatment,” Art Pharmacy CEO Chris Appleton said.
Social prescribing refers to the practice of connecting individuals with community-based resources—such as music, theater, and visual arts—to support their well-being. Studies, including research published in the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, show that arts engagement can reduce anxiety, depression, and social isolation while improving overall mental health.
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