Reconsidering the language of healthcare: Toward terms that reflect empowerment and community connection

As the concept of social prescribing gains momentum globally, including in Canada, questions have emerged about whether the term accurately reflects the model's intent. While the approach centers on connecting individuals to community-based resources to support health and well-being, the term prescribing may unintentionally evoke a medicalized or directive process. This article explores how language influences perception and engagement, particularly among diverse populations with varying relationships to healthcare systems. This piece advocates for reconsidering the leveraging of terminology within the social prescribing model to enhance clarity and inclusivity across diverse communities. By aligning language more closely with the model's foundational principles of empowerment, facilitation, and community connection, practitioners can better communicate its intent and value. Terms such as community connection referral or community connector may offer more accessible and culturally attuned alternatives, potentially improving public understanding, uptake, and implementation.