Palm Health Foundation Marks 10 Years of Train the Brain with Launch of Brain Health Network

September 24, 2026

"Connected Along the Brain Coast" campaign brings brain science out of the lab and into Palm Beach County communities this October

Palm Health Foundation’s tenth annual Train the Brain campaign is celebrating the launch of the Brain Health Network, a countywide collaboration connecting researchers, clinicians, educators, caregivers and residents advancing brain health across Palm Beach County. Themed “Connected Along the Brain Coast,” the October 2026 campaign invites residents to free events that showcase collaborations already taking place within the network, offering science-backed ways to support brain health, and reinforcing that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body.


The Brain Health Network is a key step in advancing the Brain Coast Vision, the regional strategy Palm Health Foundation launched in 2024 to make South Florida a global hub where scientific discovery, community knowledge and innovation meet to advance brain health. A recent $150,000 grant from the Dana Foundation supports Civic Neuroscience in Action, a new pathway for residents and researchers to learn from one another, ensuring that scientific discoveries are translated into practical, culturally relevant approaches that improve wellbeing and strengthen community resilience. 


“Palm Beach County is home to world-class neuroscience institutions and to communities with deep experience leading their own health solutions," said Palm Health Foundation President and CEO Patrick McNamara. "The Brain Health Network brings those strengths together, advancing brain health as a driver of human flourishing and healthy aging."


To learn more about Train the Brain and view the full listing of free community events, visit palmhealthfoundation.org/events.

 

If You Go:

 

What: Exploring Brain & Body Connections with Neuroarts

Learn about the science behind the brain-body connection and how the expressive arts—including drawing, poetry, music and dance—can enhance brain health at this fun, free and highly interactive event.

 

When:

Friday, Oct. 9, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

 

Where:
The Hub at Space of Mind

101 NW 1st Ave.

Delray Beach, Fla.

 

Registration: Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seating is limited. 
Register at
palmhealthfoundation.org/events.

 


What: Arts on the Muck for Glades Elders—A Fun Day of Brain-Stimulating Activities

Celebrating community, creativity and cognitive wellness—the Muck Way! This football-themed afternoon engages seniors with arts activities, memory-boosting games, music and movement, prizes and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Muck Bowl team colors—maroon and gold or royal blue and white.

 

When:

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

 

Where:

Eddie Lee Rhodes Gymnasium

360 E. Main St.
Pahokee, Fla.


Registration:
Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Contact healthierglades@htpbc.org or 561-593-2007 for more information.

 

 

What: Art of Care Workshop

A free art and dance class for brain health for people 60+. Experience the benefits of the neuroarts by working with your hands and connecting with nature while making an Intentions Spirit Stick from locally collected plant materials, mirrors and more. No art experience required. The Art of Care program is led by Dr. Kristen Pender, Dance & Embodiment; Elayna Toby Singer, Artistic Nature Engagement; and Shabrae Jackson, Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapies.

 

When:

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m.–[end time]


Where:

Carolyn Sims Center

225 NW 12th Ave.

Boynton Beach, Fla.

 

Registration: Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seating is limited. 
Register at
palmhealthfoundation.org/events


# # #

 

About Palm Health Foundation 
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s 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 $98 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.


About Train the Brain

Train the Brain is a community health campaign annually presented by Palm Health Foundation throughout the month of October. The campaign goal is to help Palm Beach County residents understand that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body. With information and resources provided, participants are encouraged to make changes in their thinking about mental health conditions and integrate brain healthy habits and self-care behaviors into their daily routines.
PalmHealthFoundation.org/train-the-brain


Train the Brain Events
August 26, 2026
New initiative activates South Florida's Brain Coast to help close 17-year gap between scientific discovery and impact. 
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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:
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. 
March 30, 2026
South Florida Positioned as One of Four U.S. Brain Economy Hubs Poised for National and Global Influence 
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.