A new pilot project in Ontario allows doctors to prescribe activities instead of drugs. And the program calledSocial Prescriptions got a big boost with this week’s announcement the Royal Ontario Museum is taking part by offering free admission to those with a referral from a health care provider. Museum CEO Josh Basseches says they were happy to jump on board.

Dr. Kate Mulligan of the Alliance for Healthier Communities that designed the program says non medical intervention has shown a significant effect on health and in particular, can boost loneliness which is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The Ontario program was launched this summer with a grant from the province’s health ministry. In the UK, the program has shown a reduction in visit to doctor and the ER.