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On this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation—a true champion for community brain health in Palm Beach County.
Patrick shares his journey from a background in community development and behavioral health to leading Palm Health Foundation, an organization committed to advancing health equity with a focus on brain health, prevention, and building a culture of wellness. He explains the origins of Palm Health Foundation and its evolution from hospital-based philanthropy to a driver of community health initiatives.
Key Topics:
- Brain Health as a Foundation for Well-being: Patrick unpacks why brain health matters at every age and how neuroscience advancements are transforming our understanding of addiction, mental health, and aging. He emphasizes the importance of developing habits that support brain health—including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social connection.
- The Brain Coast Initiative: Listeners get an inside look at the “Brain Coast” vision, inspired by the region’s world-class neuroscience assets—including Scripps, Max Planck Florida Institute, and Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. Patrick shares how Palm Beach County is rapidly becoming an international hub for brain science research, innovation, and community engagement.
- Community Engagement and the “Healthier Together” Model: Patrick discusses the award-winning “Healthier Together” initiative, which empowers communities facing the most significant health disparities by giving them direct input and funding to create their own health solutions.
- NeuroArts and Creative Healing: The episode explores the emerging field of NeuroArts—the science of how art, music, and creative movement can enhance brain health and well-being. Patrick highlights evidence-based programs like Dance for Parkinson’s and local collaborations bringing NeuroArts to students and behavioral health professionals.
- The Power of Prevention: The hosts and Patrick discuss how up to 50% of dementia cases may be preventable through lifestyle changes, and how social determinants like housing, nutrition, and access to care play a larger role in our health outcomes than traditional medical care alone.
- Advice for Listeners: Patrick encourages everyone—parents, professionals, and anyone curious about their own wellness—to view caring for your brain as equally important as caring for your body. He shares tips for small changes that can make a lasting difference and offers resources for learning more.
Resources Mentioned:
To learn more about Hanley’s prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.
