By Tim Ryan
The future of healthcare is about to get a lot more holistic, thanks to the Benjamin Goldberg Foundation. On September 25, 2024, key leaders across Hampton Roads will gather for an exclusive, invite-only roundtable event to discuss the revolutionary concept of social prescribing. This groundbreaking approach integrates non-clinical, community-based services into healthcare, addressing social factors that affect health outcomes.
Titled “Social Prescribing in Hampton Roads,” the event will be held at ForKids Landmark Center in Chesapeake, VA, and will feature thought leaders and experts from healthcare, social services, and creative arts. With a focus on connecting patients to community resources like art programs, gardening, and volunteering, social prescribing aims to improve overall well-being beyond the scope of traditional medicine.
Social prescribing addresses issues like social isolation, mental health, and access to community resources—factors that play a huge role in our health but aren’t always addressed in clinical settings. By engaging community organizations and healthcare providers alike, Hampton Roads could be on the cutting edge of a healthcare movement that puts people, not just symptoms, at the center.
Wendy Goldberg, Founder and President of The Benjamin Goldberg Foundation, is excited about what this event could mean for the region. “This is a critical step toward building a more holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare in Hampton Roads,” she noted.
For those who care about the future of healthcare in Hampton Roads, this conversation is a big deal. Not only does it aim to improve health outcomes, but it also fosters collaboration between healthcare professionals, local government, and the broader community to create lasting change.
Though the event is invite-only, it highlights a major shift in how healthcare could operate in our region—by empowering individuals to take part in creative, fulfilling activities that support their overall health. This concept isn’t just about treatment; it’s about crafting better lives.
Want to learn more about social prescribing and how it could transform healthcare in Hampton Roads? Visit BenjaminGoldberg Foundation’s Social Rx Initiative.
