The New Hampshire Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that will see the implementation of a three-year pilot program providing state park passes to recovery and community mental health centers.
The initiative, encapsulated in Senate Bill 387, is expected to offer a new dimension of therapeutic outdoor experiences to those in need.
Sponsored by Dover Democrat Sen. David Watters, the bill specifically targets centers that are registered with the Department of Health and Human Services, making them eligible to receive one or more state park passes. This legislative action underscores a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of nature and outdoor activities in the recovery and mental health sectors.
New Hampshire, known for its 93 state park properties, including parks, campgrounds, beaches, historical sites, and recreational trails, offers a unique backdrop for this initiative.
The program grants unlimited access to the majority of these sites, although it excludes certain attractions such as the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Flume Gorge, Hampton Beach State Park South, and Wallis Sands State Park, along with campsites and metered parking.
A New Hampshire Bulletin report highlighted that the bill’s passage follows compelling testimony during its public hearing in January, where Holly Stevens, director of public policy at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire, presented overwhelming evidence on the positive impact of outdoor activities. Stevens highlighted how nature-based interventions, including forest therapies, have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety across various populations, notably those with severe mental illnesses.
Stevens also pointed out that in 2022, the state’s 10 community mental health centers served more than 60,000 individuals, emphasizing the broad scope of potential beneficiaries under the new program. This statistic not only reflects the pressing need for innovative therapeutic approaches but also the potential for significant positive outcomes through the integration of outdoor activities into treatment and recovery plans.
On the financial side, Sen. Regina Birdsell, a Republican from Hampsted, noted that the bill is projected to have a minimal fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 per fiscal year over the course of the pilot program. This cost-effective measure requires participating centers to report annually on the usage and impact of the passes, ensuring accountability and the evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.
Sen. Watters, in a statement following the vote, emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing crisis of substance use disorders and mental health issues across New Hampshire. He highlighted SB 387 as a key component of such a strategy, pointing to extensive research that supports the benefits of outdoor activities for individuals in recovery and those struggling with mental health challenges.
For New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation industry, the program represents a valuable opportunity to increase engagement with state parks and recreational sites. By facilitating access for a wider and more diverse group of visitors, the initiative could lead to increased visitation and awareness of the state’s natural assets. This, in turn, could have positive economic implications for the industry, including potential growth in related sectors such as outdoor equipment and services.
Moreover, the program’s focus on therapeutic outdoor experiences aligns with a growing trend in the recreation industry towards promoting wellness and mental health. As such, it could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other states, highlighting New Hampshire’s leadership in integrating outdoor recreation with health and wellness strategies.
Featured image by Crawford Notch State Park via nhstateparks.org
