CVS Health Foundation grants Palm Health Foundation $1 million as Part of its New Healthy Aging Initiative
January 29, 2025
What if I become ill? What if my loved one does? How will we manage?
These are the questions many ask themselves as Americans have fewer children and live longer. According to the Census Bureau, more people in the U.S. will likely be over 64 than under 18 by 2034—the first time older adults are projected to outnumber kids in U.S. history. In Palm Beach County, 31% of the county’s population is 60 years old or older, according to a 2022 report from the Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast.
With this rise in aging Americans, the CVS Health Foundation identified an opportunity to introduce Healthy Aging as a new focus area for giving. They have just announced a grant award of $1 million over five years to Palm Health Foundation, Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health, as part of its new Healthy Aging initiative. Funding will improve health care access and resources for aging community members with brain, heart and behavioral conditions, as well as their caregivers.
Palm Health Foundation will co-create with family caregivers and residents a Healthier Aging Initiative as part of Healthier Boynton Beach to support caregivers who are over 60 years old. Often a caregiver’s own health gets overlooked. This grant will help to identify, coordinate, and connect health and wellness services to caregivers in the community.
CLICK HERE to read CVS Health Foundation's grant funding announcement.
Aspen Institute spotlighted BeWellPBC , a Palm Beach County behavioral health movement supported by Palm Health Foundation, and their Community Connectors , a group of advocates that help improve the health and wellbeing of their neighborhoods by serving as a bridge between residents and private and public health services. These Community Connectors are deeply trusted and have helped their communities navigate complex health challenges – like when one neighbor didn’t know what to do when her husband was admitted to a nursing home as his dementia worsened.
Palm Health Foundation hosted an educational session for the Palm Beach County Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Healthcare Council , themed, “Brain Health Across the Lifespan.” This council serves as a countywide collaborative focused on improving health outcomes through shared priorities, cross-sector partnership, and coordinated action. Our brain health-focused session spotlighted how the Brain Coast Vision is translating brain science into practice through workforce development , shared learning , and community partnerships . Session presenters included: Patrick McNamara, LCSW, President and CEO, Palm Health Foundation Bama Lutes Deal, PhD, Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative Deborah Germain, MPH, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Last year, Palm Health Foundation supported a cohort from our Culture of Health Network to attend the Help Conference , a regional event focused on health equity through plant-forward initiatives to improve the lives of those living with diet related diseases. Attendees included representatives from American Heart Association , Healthier Boynton Beach , and Healthier Glades . This opportunity strengthened relationships between local organizations committed to health equity and provided invaluable learning.
This month, Palm Health Foundation convened 11 initiatives from across the Culture of Health Network for a full day focused on leadership, relationship building and community change efforts. The gathering was designed to strengthen local leadership structures while also creating space to learn across communities and initiatives. Participants explored how to build lasting change using the resources and relationships already present within our communities. This was a wonderful opportunity to see who is “with us” in the shared effort to lead change for better health across Palm Beach County.
Palm Health Foundation is proud to have Dr. Naelys Luna, founding dean and professor at the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, on our esteemed Board of Trustees. Dr. Luna’s journey to her current position as leader, advocate, and educator is beyond inspiring, from political persecution in Cuba to becoming nationally recognized for her impact on the field of social work and higher education. Her story is a reminder of the power of hope, education, and resilience:
Palm Health Foundation proudly supports paid practicum experiences for FAU’s Sandler School of Social Work MSW students. Through this support, we’re removing financial barriers to education and growing a capable behavioral health workforce in our community. One of FAU’s outstanding MSW students, Amy Ferguson, was placed with the Palm Health Foundation team for her learning, and provided a reflection on her experience:
West Palm Beach, Fla. – Palm Health Foundation today announced the election of new officers to serve on its board of trustees. The new leadership brings decades of combined experience in health, community development, law, and philanthropy to guide the foundation's mission to inspire and fund solutions for better health in Palm Beach County through community collaboration.
South Florida Positioned as One of Four U.S. Brain Economy Hubs Poised for National and Global Influence
Palm Health Foundation is pleased to share our 2025 Report to the Community, which highlights our commitment to leading change for better health – now and for generations to come.
Healthier Boynton Beach, a Palm Health Foundation initiative, recently celebrated the unwavering dedication of family caregivers at its 9th Annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. More than 150 guests gathered for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and joy. "Caring Hearts & Strong Hands – Celebrating the Love and Dedication of Family Caregivers," honored 130 family caregivers during a celebration that featured laughter, music, and meaningful moments, giving caregivers a well-deserved respite from their daily responsibilities. Montre Bennett opened the program with a mindfulness moment, followed by Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton’s heartfelt welcome and personal caregiving story. Vice Mayor Woodrow Hay delivered the invocation before lunch, then handed the microphone to event host Rod-Z, who entertained guests with comedy, songs, and dancing. The JSharp Band provided outstanding live music that had caregivers on their feet throughout the afternoon. Highlights of the event included keynote speaker Charlotte Wright’s moving message acknowledging the challenges and profound rewards of family caregivers’ service, and the presentation of the prestigious Caregiver Award to Angela T. Williams of Delray Beach, recognizing her extraordinary dedication and selfless service to her husband.
