About Project One Health
Nurturing Well-Being Through Connection to Nature
Founded by the Winston Family Foundation, Project One Health is a strategic initiative dedicated to improving the well-being of children and adolescents through community-driven solutions that connect children to the significant health and developmental benefits of nature.
The Indoor Childhood
Children today spend up to 90% of their time indoors and on screens. With little exposure to natural environments, children are losing the opportunity to explore, play, and learn from the outdoors, all of which are essential for healthy development
4 to7
minutes outside
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) reports that the average American child spends only 4 to 7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play.
4 to 8
hours on a screen
Common Sense Media reports that, on average, children ages 8-12 in the U.S. spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teenagers spend up to 8 hours.
A Crisis of Loneliness
This digital dominance has eroded vital, face-to-face social connections, leaving children isolated and lonely despite being constantly online. They are also disconnected from natural food systems. They don’t understand where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Broken bonds with nature, people and food systems contribute to a cycle of alienation, harming their mental, physical, and emotional health while endangering their sense of responsibility to care for the planet.
1 in5
children
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 3–17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
50%
of adolescents
The National Institute of Mental Health reports nearly half of adolescents aged 13-18 experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with anxiety disorders being the most common.
20%
of children
Meanwhile, the CDC reports 20% of children in the U.S. are obese, putting them at a higher risk for asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Why Children?
While people of all ages benefit from time in nature, younger generations are experiencing the most dire of needs. Children offer the greatest opportunity for immediate impact and enduring change. Studies identify age 16 as a key milestone and an early predictor of future health. Improving the physical, mental and developmental health of people younger than 16 is critical in helping them flourish over the course of their lifetime.
Our Mission
Project One Health is restoring the connection between people and nature so families, communities, and the planet can flourish together.
Interconnected
Solutions & Impact
Guided by the globally recognized One Health framework, we believe the health of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems are interconnected and interdependent. We envision a world where education, health, food, and other systems align with this guiding principle and prioritize human well-being at their core.
Learn MoreKey Outcomes
Project One Health uses collaborative, community-driven solutions to connect young people with nature and with each other, building a sense of place and belonging and inspiring future generations to become advocates for a healthier world.
Screen Detox
Reducing screen time and the negative effects of technology.
Nature & Play
More time spent in nature, more often.
Connection & Community
Face-to-face human connection and interaction.
Advocacy & Empowerment
Cultivating environmental advocacy among young people.
Strengthening Human Connection
We were made for personal connection. Research shows that humans are wired with an instinctive drive to mirror and coordinate, build relationships, and help and support one another. Social relationships with our family, friends and neighbors are vital to human health and essential to thriving communities. That’s why Project One Health works to not only connect people to nature, but to each other.
Our Work 
The initial phase of Project One Health focuses on two communities where the Winston Family Foundation has meaningful connections and a rich history of impactful investment.
Our community-first approach to solution-building. 
1
We work to understand the unique needs and challenges within a community at the neighborhood level.
2
We align with established programs, development plans, and community organizations to unify around common goals.
3
We engage with civic leaders and policy makers to influence systemic change.
4
We invest in solutions that add value and directly impact the well-being of children and families.
1
We work to understand the unique needs and challenges within a community at the neighborhood level.
2
We align with established programs, development plans, and community organizations to unify around common goals.
3
We engage with civic leaders and policy makers to influence systemic change.
4
We invest in solutions that add value and directly impact the well-being of children and families.
Stay Connected
Join our growing community dedicated to a healthier future for our children and the planet. Subscribe to receive email updates on our initiatives, events, and ways to get involved.
