CONNECTED FOR HEALTH: The Inaugural U.S. Social Prescribing Conference
Dates: March 24–26, 2027
Location: Rackham Building, University of Michigan
915 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
Social prescribing is a powerful non-clinical complement for human health that creates community connections—through referrals to activities focused on the arts, nature, and other social pursuits—that enhances the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of people of all ages. Research increasingly underscores the effectiveness of social prescribing, which is now growing rapidly around the globe.
Social Prescribing USA, in partnership with the University of Michigan Institute for Social Prescribing, invites colleagues in research, implementation, public policy, and other affiliated areas of interest to convene from March 24–26, 2027 in Ann Arbor, MI to share ideas, models, findings, and to explore ways to expand social prescribing, especially throughout the U.S. This gathering will be the first public social prescribing conference of its kind in the United States.
The conference will offer varied programming—including panels, workshops, interactive sessions, talks, and small-group discussions—so participants can share expertise, build skills, and form coalitions to advance social prescribing worldwide.
Themes the conferen will address, include: Social connection, mental health, research & evaluation, implementation & practice areas (arts, nature, movement, and service), public health, social determinants of health, technology and innovation, and health across the lifespan (concentrating on youth, emerging adults, and older adults).
More details, including a call for proposals and registration information, will be released as they become available.
Conference Goals Include:
Strengthen networks and leadership within the field.
Build cross-sector relationships among health professionals, implementers, researchers, community leaders, and other key groups and to celebrate champions advancing the field.
Showcase evidence, innovation, and expansion opportunities.
Highlight research on the health impacts of arts, nature, civic engagement, and other forms of social connection while critically exploring the opportunities to expand social prescribing through referrals from a range of health settings and health care professionals.
Mobilize resources and catalyze collective action.
Examine opportunities and challenges for expanding social prescribing throughout the U.S., and to build additional momentum for the field
Advance the U.S. social prescribing field through global learning.
Connect U.S. and international practitioners and researchers to exchange evidence, best practices, practical tools, and lessons from established social prescribing initiatives.
Who Should Attend?
This broad interdisciplinary convening will benefit from contributions from health professionals, researchers, program managers, community-based organizations, practitioners (artists, creative professionals), health organizations and insurers, and philanthropists involved in all aspects of social prescribing for people of all ages. All are encouraged to attend.
Note: The conference is being held at the conclusion of the 25th annual Mental Health on College Campuses Conference, and will require separate registration. Attendees interested in both conferences will receive a discounted registration rate.
Location Details: The conference will take place in the historic Art Deco Rackham Building on the University of Michigan central/main campus.
Address: 915 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070.
Accommodations: Several hotels are within walking distance of the conference. Information on accommodations and suggested hotels will be provided soon.
Nearest International Airport: Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), a 20-minute drive to Ann Arbor
Sponsors: Social Prescribing USA and the Institute for Social Prescribing at the University of Michigan
Call for Presentations
A call for presentations/posters will be released in late September.
Registration
Registration will be available after the Call for Presentations is released.
Sign Up: Please fill out this brief (3-question) conference interest form to receive the first updates about the conference.