“There is no doubt that culture has a positive effect on wellbeing. This is why the city health stations are a natural channel for distributing cultural tickets to those who really need them," says Juhani Leppä, chairman of Turku’s board of healthcare and social services.
Top city officials have been pleased with the board’s decision.
"The introduction of cultural prescriptions is a creative way of combining residents’ wellbeing and culture, both of which are important focus areas for Turku," explains deputy mayor Maija Kyttä.
Physicians at nine public health centres will be distributing some 5,500 vouchers to patients in connection with regular appointments.
Cultural vouchers can be exchanged for free tickets at the Capital of Culture information office located in central Turku.