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The Brain Health Initiative (BHI) is pleased to announce that the Florida Survey Research Center (FSRC) at the University of Florida has been contracted to assist with the launch of the Brain Health Pilot study. BHI’s work with the FSRC represents one of many future opportunities to engage Florida-based expertise in the work of the BHI. 

FSRC will assist with study recruitment and community focus group moderation for the BHI Pilot study, launching this month.  According to Dr. Michael Scicchitano, Director of the FSRC, the BHI’s work to better understand brain health and brain illness is critically important.  He said FSRC welcomes the opportunity to help bring improved understanding about brain health to the Suncoast region and beyond.

According to Dr. Erin Dunn, BHI Director of Research: “Our research team is so grateful to leverage the extensive skills and resources in the Florida community through its academic institutions, hospitals and health centers, community-based organizations, residents, and workforce.  These collaborations are essential in making the mission of the BHI—to promote and protect brain health, optimize brain performance and fight brain illness across the lifespan—as successful as possible.  Done right, we also see these partnerships as mutually beneficial, bidirectional opportunities to study and take action on brain health for all involved”. 

Dr. Stephanie Peabody, Founder and Executive Director of the BHI, said the Brain Health Pilot Study would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of the Lakewood Ranch and greater Suncoast region residents, businesses, and organizations.  The area’s commitment to championing new research and innovation around brain health helps promote and protect brain health and fight brain illness at the individual and community level.   

The BHI looks forward to collaborating with academic institutions and organizations throughout the greater Suncoast region and the state of Florida, Dr. Peabody said, as well as with national and global stakeholders.   The BHI continues towards its development as an epicenter that collaborates with researchers, clinicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to study and take action on improving brain health outcomes for its residents, students, workforce and visitors.

Brain Health Initiative (BHI)

Brain Health Scholars- Future Leaders of Brain Health!

The Brain Health Initiative (BHI) welcomes nominations of youth leaders (16 years or older) to work with BHI scientists beginning July 1. Nominations may be received from collaborating school districts, schools, and youth organizations. Nominations should be student leaders who have interest in science, medicine, and/or health and well-being.

Brain Health Scholars will work remotely with scientists and clinicians from the Brain Health Initiative for about 20 hours throughout summer and fall 2020 in its effort to promote and protect brain health, fight brain illness, and improve performance for all ages throughout the Suncoast region. In the future, Scholars may have additional opportunities to work with the BHI on brain health projects or learning experiences.  

Brain Health Scholars will receive a certificate of participation documenting their service hours contributing to this unique opportunity to assist on a community-wide research study conducted by the Brain Health Initiative and Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital.

If you are a leader of a youth organization or a high school administrator or teacher from the region and would like to nominate a youth, please click on this link. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email Kim Miele at email kmiele@brainhealthinitiative.org.  Thank you!