Planetary Health & Sustainable Care ECHO

This ECHO cycle will explore how integrated models of care—particularly those that bridge clinical services with social supports—can advance both human and planetary health. Strategies such as social prescribing, improved access to primary care providers, co-locating providers, and care coordination help address the social determinants of health. By shifting care upstream and connecting patients with appropriate medical services and community-based resources, these approaches improve health outcomes and reduce reliance on resource-intensive, hospital-based care—contributing to a lower carbon footprint in healthcare delivery. Additionally, by fostering stronger social infrastructure and more equitable access to care, these systems build climate-resilient communities—ones better equipped to withstand and recover from climate-related shocks like extreme heat and wildfires.  

With a particular focus on social prescribing, this cycle will highlight how integrated care models promote environmental sustainability by reducing unnecessary interventions, transportation, and waste, while simultaneously improving population health outcomes and climate resilience. Through short lectures and case presentations, we will consider the many ways in which strengthening the connection between medical care and social support can lead to a healthier, safer, more sustainable future for both people and the planet. 

This cycle is done in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP).

Online Learning Platform

Slide decks, case summaries and recommendations, and resources shared during the cycle will be made available to attendees through the Public Health Training for Equitable Systems Change (PHESC) platform. Discussion forms and other networking information will also be made available to participants.

We strongly encourage registrants to complete the Introduction to Sustainable Health Systems online course available on the Royal College for Physicians and Surgeons’ website* (registration is open to all) in advance of the sessions.