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GSPA announces Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby as New Chair

16 July 2026

**Global Social Prescribing Alliance Announces Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby **

LONDON / GLOBAL — The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA), the world’s leading international body dedicated to advancing social prescribing as a cornerstone of preventive, people-centered healthcare, has announced the appointment of Patricia Welch Saleeby, Ph.D., as its new voluntary Chair, effective Friday, July 17, 2026. Dr. Saleeby succeeds James Sanderson, who steps down after six years of dedicated leadership.

Operating under the umbrella of the UK-based World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) CIC, the GSPA was formally launched in 2021 by the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Today, the Alliance unites policymakers, clinicians, researchers, community organizations, and innovators across more than 30 countries to share knowledge, build capacity, and scale evidence-based social prescribing models.

Dr. Saleeby brings an extraordinary wealth of international expertise to this voluntary leadership role. A Professor and Program Director of Social Work, she is recognized globally for her groundbreaking work on disability framework integration. Her pioneering scholarship promotes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), alongside the Capability Approach, to reframe how society addresses health and disability.

Dr. Saleeby currently serves as Co-Chair of the WHO Functioning and Disability Reference Group and a collaborating member of the WHO Education and Implementation Committee for international classifications. She is a U.S. representative of the International Federation of Social Workers to the United Nations. With over 25 years of social work leadership experience, she is perfectly positioned to drive GSPA’s core mission: connecting communities, transforming health systems, and scaling what works.

Gareth Presch, CEO of the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) and the Global Social Prescribing Alliance, welcomed the appointment:

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby as our new voluntary Chair. Patricia’s world-class expertise in social work, disability frameworks, and her extensive collaborations with the World Health Organization make her the ideal leader to guide the GSPA into its next chapter. Her lifelong dedication to bridging the gaps between education, health, and practice align perfectly with our mission to scale social prescribing globally.

As we enter this exciting new era, I want to extend my deepest, heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Chair, James Sanderson. Over the last six years, James has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of the GSPA, including navigating our formal launch by the UK Secretary of State back in 2021. His vision, leadership, and tireless work have fundamentally transformed how social prescribing is recognized on the international stage. We owe him an immense debt of gratitude and wish him the very best.”

Outgoing Chair, James Sanderson, reflected on his tenure:

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the Chair of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance for the past few years and to see it grow from its initial roots to its formal launch in 2021. Together, we have built a movement that connects healthcare systems to community-led support, empowering individuals across the globe to take control of their health and wellbeing. I am delighted to pass the baton to Dr. Saleeby. Her remarkable background working with the WHO and UN ensures that the Alliance is in exceptionally safe and capable hands to drive this crucial global movement forward.”

Dr. Saleeby’s vision for the GSPA will look to build on these strong foundations, leveraging her background in non-profit management, social administration, and curriculum development to strengthen cross-sector partnerships between health, government, business, and civil society, while supporting community chapters across Ireland, the UK, India, the USA, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, and beyond.

About the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) is the world’s leading international body dedicated to advancing social prescribing as a cornerstone of preventive, people-centered healthcare. Formally launched in 2021 by the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, GSPA operates under the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) CIC, a UK-based Community Interest Company platform designed to support health and wellbeing while implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

GSPA accelerates the global adoption of social prescribing by developing international standards, publishing research playbooks, convening global summits, training next-generation practitioners, and supporting expanding community chapters across over 30 countries. For more information, visit whis.world/gspa.

What is Social Prescribing? Social prescribing is a holistic, person-centered approach that connects individuals to non-clinical community services—effectively “prescribing a life, not just medicine.” It addresses the wider determinants of health that clinical care alone cannot reach, reducing pressure on healthcare systems while empowering people to thrive. Key modalities include:

  • Green & Blue: Nature-based activities (e.g., community gardening, forest bathing) and water-based interventions (e.g., wild swimming, river mindfulness).
  • Arts & Culture: Creative engagement supporting emotional health (e.g., art classes, music therapy, museum visits).
  • Physical Activity: Tailored movement and exercise (e.g., walking groups, yoga, dance).
  • Social, Mental Health & Wellbeing: Connection pathways to reduce isolation, mindfulness, and resilience workshops.
  • Work, Skills & Practical Support: Building purpose via mentoring, job clubs, and assistance with daily challenges like housing, debt advice, and food security.

Key GSPA Resources & Publications: