A Passion for Youth and Mental Health

December 21, 2022

Your Year-End Gift Will Make Someone’s Dream Come True

There is a little known but alarming cause of death among youth with type 1 diabetes: suicide. According to the American Diabetes Association, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes are 61% more likely to say they feel suicidal than those without diabetes, and up to 7% of deaths in individuals with type 1 diabetes are a result of suicide.


Ashley Robertson, a West Palm Beach resident who lives with type 1 diabetes, saw the toll the disease can take on youth mental health when she was a volunteer at Florida Diabetes Camp. It was where she was first inspired to pursue a nursing career combining mental health with care for chronic conditions. 


Now, with the support of a scholarship from Palm Health Foundation, she is studying for her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health. 

“With Palm Health Foundation’s support, I am pursuing my dream to work with children and adolescents with chronic conditions to hopefully make an impact on their lives.”

 - Ashley Robertson, Palm Health Foundation Scholar

Palm Health Foundation’s scholarships in support of both nursing and mental health professions are critical, especially in South Florida, where shortages in both fields are affecting the health of our community - read more.

Support our community’s health and a scholar’s dreams. Give today. 

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100% of your donation will support a local student pursuing a career in nursing, and Palm Health Foundation will match your gift, dollar-for-dollar.

About the Match


Palm Health Foundation’s scholarships would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. Ashley’s scholarship was supported by a gift from Valley Bank.


“Valley Bank believes in empowering our communities to thrive. By supporting local scholars like Ashley, we are contributing to a strong, capable workforce to meet the health and wellness needs of our neighbors.” – Charles Keys, Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility/CRA Officer



Charles Keys and Ashley Robertson

You can help strengthen our local health professions by giving to The Nursing Advancement Fund today. 

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About Palm Health Foundation’s Scholarships

Palm Health Foundation provides needs-based scholarships to nurses in LPN, undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs, and to behavioral health professions students seeking bachleor’s and master’s degrees in social work, psychology, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling and other focus areas.


Since 2001, the foundation has granted more than $3 million in nursing scholarships to over 1,000 nursing students for advanced education.
 

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.
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.