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

What if I become ill? What if my loved one does? How will we manage?

Let’s Move Encourages at least 30 Minutes of Activity Daily for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health

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

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.

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.”

Giving Tuesday is About Giving Chances to Someone Like Me.

Palm Health Foundation ’s Scholarship Reception on November 2, 2024, brought together nursing and behavioral health scholars with their donors for an inspiring evening at the stunning Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (ANSG) in West Palm Beach, FL. Over 190 guests attended the event to celebrate 92 scholarship recipients, the largest group of scholars in the history of the foundation due to a generous gift from Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN). Frances Fisher generously underwrote the reception at ANSG where she serves as chairwoman. ANSG’s natural gardens and monumental sculptures served as the perfect setting for scholars and their donors to meet each other, all expressing gratitude. Guests and donors thanked the scholars for their dedication to the healthcare workforce of South Florida, and scholars thanked donors for their generosity that enabled them to continue their education. “The scholarship recipients here tonight are not only the future of South Florida’s healthcare system, but also the heart and soul of our community,” said Fisher. “I am inspired by their dedication, and I am grateful to our donors who are helping to shape a brighter, healthier future for all.” The $530,000 awarded in needs-based scholarship funds will help address significant shortages in the nursing and behavioral health care workforce. Donor funding will also help humanize health by advancing the careers of healthcare professionals with lived experience and cultural competencies to serve South Florida’s diverse population, a need echoed by Abigail Goodwin, executive vice president of Palm Health Foundation, in her address to scholars. “Your ability to bridge languages and cultures is critical to providing quality care for our dynamic South Florida communities, making our entire region healthier and stronger,” Goodwin said. “You are here today because you’ve demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a true desire to serve your neighbors. Palm Health Foundation is proud to support, honor, and uplift you as you continue your journey.” Goodwin closed the event by announcing another gratitude opportunity to donors. From December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, Palm Health Foundation is matching every donation to The Nursing Advancement Fund and all nursing scholarship funds—dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. Palm Health Foundation nursing scholarships support students with financial need in LPN, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in Palm Beach County. “Through our charitable funds and with the collaboration of donors, residents, and partners, we are building a culture of health for all in our community,” said Dr. Marsha Fishbane, chair of the Palm Health Foundation Board of Trustees. Notable attendees at the event included: Frances Fisher, PHF Trustee and scholarship fund holder; Dr. Marsha Fishbane, Palm Health Foundation chair, and trustees Dr. Naelys Luna, Barbara James, Clovis Moodie, and Nathan Nason; scholarship fund holders Debra Coffman Howe, Ann Berner, Dr. Alina Alonso, Denise Bober, and Carrie Browne and Donald Smith-Browne; and Tim Snow, president of George Snow Scholarship Fund.  To make a gift or create a donor advised fund to support health professions scholars, please contact Carrie Browne, director of stewardship and strategic partnerships, (561) 837-2281, carrieb@phfpbc.org .

Palm Health Foundation marked its eighth annual Train the Brain community health campaign during October 2024 with the unveiling of a significant collaborative initiative. On October 24, 2024, over 95 guests gathered at the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at Florida Atlantic University for the launch of The Brain Coast: A Vision for South Florida , an aspiration endorsed by six Palm Beach County brain health and science visionaries who believe that shared vision, determination, science, education, collaboration, and investment can transform a region and change the world. The launch partners included: Palm Health Foundation Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at Florida Atlantic University Stiles-Nicholson Foundation The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network Many more have committed to advancing this exciting vision with imagination, curiosity, and desire to push the boundaries of brain science and its promise. Guests at the event were eager to learn about the vision for The Brain Coast, which partners compare to President John F. Kennedy's ambitious goals for American space exploration that accelerated Florida's Space Coast. Evening highlights included ambitious initiatives demonstrating The Brain Coast Vision’s promise and the inspirational journeys that led local scientists, including Palm Health Foundation Computational Brain Science and Health Graduate Fellows, to dedicate their lives to advancing treatment for brain disorders as varied as depression, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and more.