NEW YORK STATE ENCOURAGES INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS TO VISIT STATE PARKS, HISTORIC SITES, AND RECREATIONAL SITES

 

New Streamlined ‘Access Pass’ Process Helps Individuals Living with Mental Illness Verify Eligibility for Free or Discounted Access

Initiative Aimed at Helping New Yorkers with Qualified Disabilities to Improve Mental Wellbeing, Community Connection by Spending Time Outdoors

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced an initiative to encourage more New Yorkers living with a mental illness to enjoy the state’s many parks, historical sites, and outdoor recreational facilities, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being. As part of this push, the agency has made it easier for individuals living with mental illness and receiving services through an OMH program to apply for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation’s Access Pass, which allows free or discounted access to state sites for individuals with a qualifying disability.

“Time spent enjoying nature and New York’s many outdoor attractions can provide restorative benefits for all of us,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “By making it easier to apply for the Access Pass, we are ensuring that more New Yorkers, including individuals living with mental health challenges, can take advantage of this worthwhile program as they continue their recovery. Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, our parks and attractions are available to enhance the mental wellness for everyone in our state.”

The Access Pass offers free or discounted entry to state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities –including ones operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation – for New York residents with a specific qualifying disability listed in the application. The Access Pass includes free vehicle entry to most day-use areas, state-operated boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves, in addition to free greens fees at State Park golf courses; free swimming pool entry at state-operated pools; and discounted camping and cabin rentals at most state campgrounds and DEC day-use areas.

This summer, OMH streamlined the verification process so that individuals with a mental disability who receive services through a program licensed, funded, or operated by OMH can more easily apply for the Access Pass. The agency developed a simplified confirmation letter to be completed digitally by the applicant’s clinician and then submitted by them to Parks via PSYCKES, a HIPAA-compliant web-based application, or by the applicant themselves via mail or email.

Previously, the verification process involved OMH corresponding directly with the applicant and their clinician and then submitting the confirmation letter to Parks on their behalf. While individuals still need to complete an Access Pass application themselves, they no longer need to go through OMH to certify their disability.

The confirmation letter template is posted to the OMH website, along with simplified instructions for both individuals seeking a pass and their clinicians. Additionally, the application for the Access Pass and instructions for submitting it can be found on the Parks website.

The goal is to encourage more New Yorkers who live with mental illness to seek out the Access Pass and visit state parks and DEC facilities, which can be beneficial for mental well-being. While there are roughly 800,000 individuals relying on programs operated, funded or licensed by OMH, only 1,100 of them have active Access Passes.

Overall wellbeing can be enhanced by outdoor recreation, community involvement, education, and by visiting state cultural and natural destinations. Be Well, the state’s ongoing public awareness campaign to help New Yorkers improve their mental wellness, advocates spending time outdoors – something that can boost serotonin and Vitamin D levels, while also reducing stress. 

Be Well offers simple and accessible tools and tips to improve mental wellness and manage stress, including outdoor activity, exercise, and social connection. This campaign also recently teamed with DEC and Parks to do a short social media push about how employees from each agency connect with nature to improve their wellness.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Our agency is committed to expanding accessibility and removing barriers so all New Yorkers can enjoy our state parks and historic sites. We are proud to partner with the Office of Mental Health to simplify the Access Pass application process for those they serve. The Access Pass provides free or discounted entry to New York State Parks and historic sites, and we hope all who qualify take advantage of this valuable program to experience our state’s incredible natural, historic, and recreational treasures.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Nature is known to improve mental health and wellbeing, and with the streamlined Access Pass, heading outdoors to a DEC campground or day-use area can be easier than ever. By proactively creating opportunities for additional accessibility through the These Lands Are For Everyone initiative and other investments, Governor Hochul is ensuring that more people can benefit from experiencing New York’s natural landscapes and spaces.”