2025 Bold Steps for Children Award: Santa Clara County Nature and Health Initiative

RECOGNIZING

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare | County of Santa Clara Public Health Department, Santa Clara County Parks Veggilution | City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services

It is well known that being outside and enjoying nature is important for everyone. The health benefits of outdoor activity include:

• Chronic Disease Prevention: Exposure to nature helps decrease the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension by promoting physical activity and reducing stress.

• Cardiovascular Health: Regular outdoor activities can lower blood pressure and heart rate, supporting overall cardiovascular wellness.

• Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Nature interactions significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and help manage emotions like anger, fear, and depression.

• Cognitive Development: Outdoor experiences enhance brain development, improving focus, cognitive functioning, and academic performance, especially for children.

• Social Connection: Nature activities create opportunities for meaningful social interactions, helping to combat isolation and build community bonds.

• Resilience Building: Outdoor experiences can help mitigate the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) by providing positive, supportive environments.

Unfortunately for many, getting out in nature isn’t always simple. Many families face multiple challenges to spending time outdoors such as economic constraints, limited transportation, not feeling safe in some public spaces, and cultural or language barriers.

In response to this, these organizations have come together to improve community health by promoting equitable access to nature and safe green spaces.

Their work has led to several programs including the Santa Clara County Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, several programs where pediatricians give prescriptions to spend time outside, while also providing support to overcome barriers to accessing parks and safe green spaces. There is also a nature education program for youth ages 9-12, and a program linking public transportation to outdoor spaces.

Their Promotores de Salud program transforms community members into powerful health advocates and creates a network of trusted local leaders who bridge healthcare, nature, and community wellness.