MorseLife Health System and Palm Health Foundation Address Growing Need For Trained Health Care Professionals

Palm Health Foundation • September 28, 2020

Two of Palm Beach County’s most respected health care institutions have joined forces once again to address the growing need for trained health care professionals as the County’s over-60 population is projected to increase 39% by 2040.


MorseLife has received a generous grant, which will allow interested home health aides to advance in their careers to achieve licensure as certified nursing assistants, made possible by the BJ and Paula Harris Fund at the Palm Health Foundation. Mrs. Harris resided at The Palace at MorseLife before her recent death and her late husband, BJ also received exceptional care while living at MorseLife. They were active supporters of health care initiatives in Palm Beach County, granting more than $1 million from their fund since 2004.


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow nine percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Florida employs more nursing assistants than any state other than New York.


“The current pandemic has underscored the shortage of nursing assistants in our area which will only become more urgent as our population ages,” said Keith Myers, President and CEO of MorseLife Health System. “We have a waiting list of aides eager to take advantage of this worthwhile program and are pleased to be working with leadership of Palm Health Foundation.”


The grant will cover the cost of the professional development course and the exam fee, which currently total $650 per student.


“With the support of our donors, Palm Health Foundation provides scholarships for nursing and other health-related fields, with the mission of creating high-quality care for years to come,” said Abigail Goodwin, Vice President for Grants and Community Investments at Palm Health Foundation. “This gift helps us fulfill the vision of the BJ and Paula Harris Fund.


MorseLife Health System is also planning to establish the MorseLife Nursing Academy to offer professional development to home health aides, certified nursing assistants and registered nurses. Participants in the academy will attend on scholarships.


About MorseLife Health System

MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice and palliative care, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion. For more information, visit www.morselife.org.


About Palm Health Foundation

Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s leading community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $83 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.

Building Healthier Neighborhoods Through Connection and Trust

May 28, 2026
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.

Brain Health Across the Lifespan for the PBC CHIP and Healthcare Council

May 28, 2026
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

Culture of Health Network Spotlight: Partners Learning About Food as Medicine

May 28, 2026
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.

Leading Change through the Culture of Health Network

May 28, 2026
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.

Trustee Spotlight: Dr. Naelys Luna

May 27, 2026
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:

Humanizing Health: Removing Financial Barriers for Future Social Workers

April 27, 2026
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:

Palm Health Foundation Announces New Board Leadership

April 24, 2026
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. 

Palm Health Foundation Convenes Global Brain Health Leaders to Launch Inaugural Brain Coast Advisory Council

March 30, 2026
South Florida Positioned as One of Four U.S. Brain Economy Hubs Poised for National and Global Influence 

Palm Health Foundation's 2025 Report to the Community

February 24, 2026
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 Honors 130 Family Caregivers at 9th Annual Recognition Luncheon

January 27, 2026
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.