The SAM Project (an acronym for Health, Social, Assets and Map), led by the Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) with principal investigator Olga De Cos from the Health Economics group, continues to make progress in developing its social prescribing model with the completion of new fieldwork sessions in Bayonne and the simultaneous advancement of its activities in Málaga.
In Bayonne, the fieldwork has been successfully completed, enabling the identification, validation, and enrichment of various health assets present in the area. During these sessions, new resources of different types were identified—such as natural spaces, associations, cultural centers, and urban parks—which expand the map of community assets linked to well-being.
In this context, a coordination meeting was also held at the Belharra Clinic —Ramsay Santé—, a partner entity of the SAM consortium. The meeting provided an opportunity to learn first-hand about its operations and to exchange key insights to move toward the next phase of the project: the implementation of the SAM digital twin, a tool designed to strengthen the connection between the territory and the healthcare system.
In parallel, the project team continued its work in Málaga with a joint visit to several parks previously identified as health assets. The session was carried out together with staff from the Sports and Health Department of the Málaga City Council, who accompanied the visit and contributed their knowledge about these spaces that promote physical activity, well-being, and community health. The project particularly highlighted the collaboration of the Sports Department, which facilitated both the visit and the analysis of these key environments for promoting healthy habits.
A European project to improve social and healthcare services
The SAM Project is part of the Interreg Sudoe cross-border cooperation programme and has funding of nearly 2 million euros, with significant support from the ERDF. Led by IDIVAL, it brings together an international consortium with partners from Spain, France, and Portugal, and aims to improve social and healthcare services in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Through an innovative approach based on social prescribing and the use of advanced technology, the project seeks to connect the healthcare system with available community resources, helping to improve people’s quality of life, especially those in vulnerable situations.
With these advances in Bayonne and Málaga, SAM continues to establish itself as a benchmark initiative in the integration of territory, community, and healthcare systems, moving toward a more effective, innovative, and people-centered model.
