Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Hosts National Health Conversation

Last week, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) brought together Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, health system CEOs, state recreation leaders and outdoor industry executives in Washington, D.C. for the first National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation.

Held May 6-7, the forum framed the $1.3 trillion outdoor economy as a potential solution to chronic disease, rising health care costs and worsening mental health challenges.

NMMA participated as a sponsor of the event, which featured 10 cross-sector conversations focused on expanding access to recreation, strengthening ties between the outdoor economy and health care systems, and elevating time outside as essential to physical and mental well-being.

Among the headline announcements was the launch of ORR's Rural Outdoor Recreation and Health Catalyst Grant Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to direct resources into rural communities where outdoor recreation can support both public health and economic development. ORR also unveiled "America's Outdoor Era," a national initiative encouraging businesses and trade organizations, including those in the recreational boating industry, to take measurable action on outdoor access, workplace wellness and health system partnerships.

Read ORR's full recap of the National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation here.