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. “We are excited to bring social prescribing to the state and further develop the ecosystem for broader access and implementation.”

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. Researcher Dr. Daisy Fancourt has also found that arts participation is linked to long-term health benefits, with evidence from over 3,000 studies supporting its effectiveness.

“I am so thrilled to welcome Art Pharmacy to Connecticut! When we launched the Social Connection Campaign to combat loneliness and social isolation in Connecticut, initiatives like this are exactly what we had in mind. This is a comprehensive and holistic approach that not only helps to improve the mental and physical well-being of our residents but promotes our sometimes-underappreciated arts and cultural organizations,” said Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “I look forward to the official rollout and thank DECD and NHSO for all their work on this partnership.”

The Connecticut program will involve three key components:

• Partnering with arts and cultural organizations across the state, from community theaters to symphonies.
• Collaborating with institutions in healthcare, education, and corporate sectors to identify individuals who would benefit.
• Using smart-matching technology to connect participants with personalized arts experiences.

“The link between creative expression and mental wellbeing is undeniable. By integrating arts-based social prescribing into care strategies, individuals can access a new pathway to healing – one that reduces isolation, encourages self-expression, and fosters a sense of belonging,” said Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “This initiative reflects our commitment to embracing diverse, evidence-based approaches to behavioral health support.”

This initiative builds on successful social prescribing models in Georgia, Massachusetts, and California. By integrating arts into healthcare, Connecticut aims to address rising rates of mental health concerns and loneliness. Art Pharmacy, DECD, and NHSO will continue working with local stakeholders to expand the program, with full implementation expected in 2025.

To learn more about Art Pharmacy, visit www.artpharmacy.co.