Palm Health Foundation Marks 10 Years of Train the Brain with Launch of Brain Health Network
"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.
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What: Connecting Our Community: Caring for Our Minds
Join
BeWellPBC Community Connectors for a conversation about Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and the caregiving support available to individuals and families. Meet community partners, explore resources, and help shape future sessions. Presented by BeWellPBC Community Connectors in collaboration with New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Alzheimer’s Community Care, and The Guided Millennial.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where:
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
911 9th St.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Registration Required: Visit https://bit.ly/BeWellPBC. Contact kblackmon@bewellpbc.org for more information.
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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.
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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
What: From Discovery to Care: Research, Treatment and Practices in the Fight to End Alzheimer’s Disease and Promote Aging Resilience
Florida Atlantic University Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute hosts leading Alzheimer’s disease experts to chart the path from Alzheimer’s disease research to treatment and explore what we can do right now to live well longer. Keynote speaker: Christopher Weber, Ph.D. Senior Director, Global Scientific Initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association.
When:
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Main Program 6:30 p.m.
Reception
7:30 p.m.
Where:
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
5353 Parkside Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Registration: Free and open to the public. Visit tinyurl.com/alzheimersdiscoverytocare to register.
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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
