Palm Health Foundation Marks Twenty-Years of Palm Beach County Impact, Bookended by the Greatest Crises of the Times

January 26, 2022

Palm Health Foundation, founded in December 2001 as the successor to Good Samaritan and St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundations, is marking its twenty-year anniversary with a look-back at the impact it has made on some of Palm Beach County’s most significant health challenges. Bookended by 2001’s Anthrax attack and 2021’s COVID pandemic, the foundation’s history spans from investing in immediate needs during times of crisis, to funding initiatives for lifelong wellbeing to help all Palm Beach County residents thrive and reach their full health potential. During its twenty-year history, the foundation grew its assets from $50 million to more than $100 million through strong donor relationships and sound fiscal management and granted more than $85 million to the Palm Beach County community.


The foundation made one of its first grants in 2001 to the Palm Beach Medical Society in the wake of 9/11 and Boca Raton’s anthrax attack to establish the Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition of Palm Beach County (HERC), a network of hospitals, emergency response agencies, and community disaster partners to collaborate on disaster and public health emergencies. HERC became a model project for the nation and for how Palm Health Foundation would deliver on its mission, “to inspire and fund solutions for better health in Palm Beach County through community collaboration.”


Bringing together multiple stakeholders to co-design solutions has become the foundation’s hallmark across its three strategic priority areas: building a culture of health, advancing brain health, and strengthening the health professions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity to address all three came together through the foundation’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund, established to take immediate action on residents’ urgent health and living needs. The effort was the catalyst for the formation of the “Rapid Response Team,” a new coalition of grassroots community, health, and behavioral health organizations and initiatives, that responds to residents with challenges ranging from COVID-related homelessness to mental health supports and hunger.


The foundation is also well known for its long-term commitments to Palm Beach County’s greatest health challenges. Significant investments and achievements in each of the foundation’s strategic priority areas since 2001 include:


Building a Culture of Health

  • The foundation’s Healthier Together initiative, launched in 2013, marked an evolution in the foundation’s investment strategy from clinical healthcare solutions to addressing the social, behavioral, and environmental factors at the root of health inequity, recognizing that a person’s zip code can influence their health outcomes more than their genetic code. The foundation invested $1 million in each of six neighborhood communities over multiple years to transform health through resident-led efforts that promote access to healthy foods, safe places to exercise and reduction of chronic stress to maintain good health over residents’ lifetimes. The initiative has been acknowledged by national organizations as a role model for other communities.


Advancing Brain Health

  • In 2017, the foundation announced The Brain Health Innovation Fund to support its vision to establish Palm Beach County as a national leader in brain health advancement by strengthening the local bonds between scientific research, community supports and quality care. It has since invested in expanding the nationally acclaimed Mental Health First Aid program in diverse communities, led a 100-day challenge to address the opioid crisis, and helped launch BeWellPBC, a behavioral health movement that is engaging the community’s residents, systems and sectors in meaningful ways to address county needs. A recent $1 million gift to Florida Atlantic University Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute will support a new program in computational brain science and health.


Strengthening the Health Professions

  • Since 2001, Palm Health Foundation has been recognized by nursing leaders and educators for its dedication and $10 million investment to grow and strengthen the nursing workforce in Palm Beach County. In addition, the foundation has granted more than $3.5 million in nursing scholarships to over 1,000 nursing students for advanced education and recently expanded its scholarships to include the behavioral health field.


Beyond monetary investments, Palm Health Foundation has led county-wide public health campaigns engaging all ages in better health practices. The “Let’s Move Physical Activity Challenge” kicked off in 2012 to encourage residents to complete 30 minutes of activity each day during the month of March. The program has been so successful, residents collectively logged 59,464,582 minutes during the 2021 campaign. Each October the foundation runs a “Train the Brain” campaign to improve brain health. With the information and resources provided, participants are invited to make changes in their thinking about mental health conditions, adopt brain health habits that integrate self-care behaviors into their daily routines, and show compassion to individuals with acute and persistent mental health conditions.


The culmination of Palm Health Foundation’s efforts in partnership with community led to one of its most significant achievements to mark its 20th year. The foundation led the effort to apply for and win the 2020-2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s prestigious Culture of Health Prize in collaboration with Children’s Services Council, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department, and many other community leaders.

Reflecting on how far the foundation has come since its founding in 2001, Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation said, “I’m most proud of the way our current work honors the foundation’s original vision while it also deepens and expands our impact and influence on resident health opportunity and equity. In the early years, our tagline was, ‘Together, we can do more.’ Our focus has always been, and will always be, on what our community can accomplish together.”


To read more about Palm Health Foundation’s twenty-year history and significant milestones, please click here.

 


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 $89 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit
palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.

April 23, 2025
A conversation with Naelys Luna, PhD, MSW, Palm Health Foundation Trustee
April 23, 2025
Palm Health Foundation supports BeWellPBC, a county-wide behavioral health initiative. After 10 years of leading community change through Healthier Delray Beach and BeWellPBC, Lauren Zuchman will bring her passion to a new chief officer role in Palm Beach County with continued reinforcement of community at the forefront.
April 16, 2025
Gifts will benefit The Center for The Resilient Mind at Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
April 16, 2025
Palm Health Foundation , Palm Beach County’s leading community foundation for health, has released its 2024 Report to the Community , “From Strategy to Impact: Cultivating Thriving Communities.” Dynamic storytelling, supported by video and podcast links, showcases how the foundation’s $2.7 million in grant investments for 2024 addressed the county’s most pressing health challenges. Advancing brain health . According to the Dana Foundation , more than 8 in 10 Americans are affected by brain health issues. Palm Health Foundation’s investments through its Brain Health Innovation Fund continued to build a growing brain health network—from community-based solutions transforming behavioral health access and support for families and youth through BeWellPBC , to advancing science-based collaboration through the Brain Coast Alliance and the Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative . Strengthening the health professions . There are 510 individuals for every one behavioral health practitioner and over 16,000 nursing vacancies in the State of Florida. Thanks to an outpouring of donor support, Palm Health Foundation awarded $687,000 in needs-based scholarships to 73 nursing and behavioral health students at local universities pursuing degrees to fill significant gaps in access to care across Palm Beach County. Many scholars come from diverse backgrounds and will have the competencies proven to improve patient health outcomes, satisfaction, and the overall quality of care. Activated, healthy, resilient communities . More attention has been given nationwide to the vital conditions —factors like access to quality housing, stable employment, healthy food, and safe communities—and their potential to contribute to health disparities. In 2024, Palm Health Foundation’s Healthier Lake Worth Beach initiative created impact by relieving the stress of code compliance among 55+ residents in vulnerable communities by collaborating with city government through the Neighborhood Health/Code Compliance Curb Appeal project . Recognizing homeowners’ inability to correct code violations due to health or aging, the project engaged volunteers to provide home repairs and improvements, relieving residents of violations and improving their quality of life. Palm Health Foundation also joined with fellow funders during the year to award 21 Community Changemakers Fund grants, seeding and supporting a network of individuals, organizations, and businesses with ideas to benefit resident health through enhancing vital conditions across Palm Beach County. Palm Health Foundation president and CEO, Patrick McNamara, sees how the foundation’s innovative approach to long-term health solutions through community collaboration is paying dividends. “Since evolving our strategy from short-term grant-making to systems change and generational transformation in partnership with community and our donors, we have better recognized—and invested in—the incredible people and ideas for building a thriving community,” McNamara said. “At the same time, we are strengthening our entire health network through scholarships and game-changing collectives, like the Brain Coast Alliance. Our efforts are creating connections between philanthropists seeking breakthrough health solutions and the people who are leading the way for a healthier Palm Beach County.” ### 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 $95 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333. 
April 11, 2025
The Palm Beach Post’s November 12, 2024, article, “ How South Florida aims to become capital of neurological research and treatment ,” introduced readers to a historic collaboration among six esteemed institutions who have formed an alliance to position our region as the “Brain Coast.” As more attention is placed on health and science research spending at a national level, the Brain Coast Alliance is shining a light on the significant discoveries and economic benefits that we all enjoy because our community is united in support of scientific innovation in our own backyard. Our local investments have had a profound global impact, especially in the area of brain science. This is vitally important to all of us, because when the brain thrives, every aspect of our being benefits. When the Brain Coast thrives, every aspect of our region stands to benefit. The brain health discoveries originating in Palm Beach County, FL, where Brain Coast founding members, the Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute (FAU), The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) reside, reflect the life’s work of hundreds of scientists working together to illuminate the awesome complexity of the human brain. Their ultimate goal is to find better treatments and even cures for some of humanity’s most challenging brain diseases and disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, and developmental difficulties such as autism and sensory processing disorders. Together, these brain conditions affect more than eight in 10 Americans and their ability to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Life science discoveries and development affect the health of our local economy as well, providing over 7,500 jobs and contributing $1.6 billion total gross regional product , according to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. This local industry is also a driving force for growth. MPFI has attracted scientific investment through a partnership with microscopy manufacturer Abberior Instruments, who moved their US headquarters to Jupiter, FL, in 2017, where recently ZEISS opened a new advanced microscopy training center. Similarly, FAU’s multi-campus partnership with Nikon Instruments, has garnered a designation as a Nikon Center of Excellence , one of only 17 in the Americas and 1 of 32 worldwide. Additionally, Wertheim UF Scripps Institute researchers have established companies in Jupiter that are attracting millions in outside investment while they advance possible treatments for forms of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and glioblastoma. Building upon strengths, Florida Atlantic, home to five inductees into the National Academy of Inventors, oversees a thriving Tech Runway and Research Park , promoting the development of diagnostics and treatments for brain disorders, among others. With professional opportunities and investment come advanced educational opportunities to boost STEM appreciation and careers, creating a dynamic ecosystem where schools benefit from enhanced educational resources, career opportunities, and community collaboration, all bringing the vision for a thriving Brain Coast to life. Beyond local impact, Brain Coast Alliance partners are fueling America’s research pipeline, ensuring that our country is—and stays—at the forefront in the development of life-changing medications and therapies. Palm Beach County’s research institutes’ list of discoveries is inspiring and supports Florida’s public health priorities , including addressing chronic health conditions, understanding the neural basis of addiction, treating mental health conditions, and understanding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Did you know, for example, that the genetics of forgetting were uncovered in Jupiter? Other examples of Brain Coast Alliance researchers’ worldwide impact on some of the most debilitating diseases and conditions include: At FAU, Erik Engeberg, Ph.D., is exploring two-way communication between the brain and robotic devices , where an artificial limb would respond to brain signals for movements, and Ning Quan, Ph.D., has discovered novel healthy roles for inflammatory immune molecules in the brain that may one day lead to novel neuroprotective medications. At The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Laura Bohn, Ph.D., has shown that dangerous and unwanted side effects of pain medications, including respiratory suppression and itching, can be minimized with next-generation medications now in development. Meanwhile, Matthew D. Disney, Ph.D., has discovered a potential medication for Parkinson’s that disables the toxic RNA driving the disease. At MPFI, Vidhya Rangaraju, Ph.D., is conducting research that could allow for earlier diagnosis and intervention of ALS, and Sarah Stern, Ph.D., is helping to uncover how the brain processes information related to hunger, thirst and stress, that could unlock new treatments for obesity, eating disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. We look forward to maintaining the momentum on life-changing research that impacts our region and our world. Science is a vital pillar of our economy, one that enhances everyone’s health and wellbeing. To learn more about how you can champion science and support this vital work, visit Palm Health Foundation’s website . Signed, Patrick J. McNamara , President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation, on behalf of the Brain Coast Alliance : Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Palm Health Foundation, Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, and the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
January 29, 2025
What if I become ill? What if my loved one does? How will we manage?
January 29, 2025
Let’s Move Encourages at least 30 Minutes of Activity Daily for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health
January 29, 2025
Healthier Glades , a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative, proudly marked six years of empowering the Glades community through its Mini Grant Program with the recent announcement of four grant awards to recipients in Belle Glade and Canal Point, Florida. Through the Mini Grant Program, Healthier Glades invests in promising programs to promote health, wellness, and youth engagement. The initiative has awarded over $140,000 in mini grants to 52 residents and organizations fostering lasting community impact since 2019. The four innovative grants exemplify Healthier Glades’ ability to unlock community strengths by elevating and investing in the ideas that the community believes hold the most promise to change lives and the narrative around mental health. “The programs highlight the creativity, passion, and dedication of Glades’ community members,” said Annie Ifill, Director, Healthier Glades. Mini grant recipients began program implementation on January 1, 2025. Mini Grant Recipients
January 3, 2025
Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” I realized many years ago that the lessons I learn may be for me alone in the moment, but they are not mine to hoard—they are to be shared with others.
December 20, 2024
Hospital conversion foundations are unique and powerful forces in advancing community health. These charitable organizations are born when non-profit hospitals are sold and converted to for-profit entities. A foundation is then established from the proceeds of the sale or “conversion.”
More Posts