In 2020 the San Mateo County Park Rx program issued 800 park passes to CalFresh Healthy Living families. The passes were sponsored by San Mateo County Parks Foundation.  The SMC Park Rx program encourages the use of local parks and outdoor spaces to improve your physical and emotional health.  Benefits of spending time in nature include: Reduced blood pressure and headaches, promotes overall health and well-being, lowers stress, increases academic performance and productivity, improves mood and behavior, and reduces mental fatigue, anger, and frustration. When using parks during the pandemic your safety is most important, follow these guidelines when visiting a park: stay in your local area, plan ahead to find out what parks in your neighborhood are open and what is open at the parks, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing and avoid gatherings with people outside of your household. For the latest information on which parks remain open and how to stay safe while visiting local parks during the COVID-19 pandemic please visit, https://www.smchealth.org/smc-park-rx​