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Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Nature & Health Program

Who We Are

Mission

Santa Clara Valley Health Center is committed to improving the health of our patients, their families, and the community by promoting equitable access to nature and safe green spaces. We believe that being active in nature is essential for childhood development as well as for the overall health and well-being of our bodies and minds.

Vision

We envision a world where everyone has equitable access to safe parks and green spaces where they feel welcomed and can enjoy spending time and being joyfully active in nature. We strive for a culture where healthcare providers recognize the important health benefits of access to nature and can provide resources to the community to facilitate that access.

Why is Getting Out in Nature Important?

Scientific studies have shown that getting out and being active in nature helps:

  • Decrease the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Improve mood and help decrease anger, fear, stress, and depression.
  • Increase overall sense of well-being.
  • Improve the quality of sleep.
  • Improve brain development and cognitive functioning, which can lead to better focus and performance in school for children.
  • Creates social connections and decreases.
  • Mitigates the effects of negative social environments due to Childhood Adverse Experiences (ACES)

Why is It Difficult for Families to Get Out in Nature on Their Own?

Various factors can prevent families from accessing nature, ranging from a lack of transportation to uncomfortable weather conditions to systems and policies that affect access to safe green spaces. We know that some children and families experience these barriers more than others and have a higher risk of health disparities. The goal of our Nature and Health programs is to help families overcome these barriers so that they can get outside and be active in nature.