CONTACT:
Emelia Obey
Director of Communications and Development
The Roskamp Institute
[email protected]
Sarasota, FL — The Roskamp Institute has recently been awarded a grant through the 2025-26 Health & Human Services Cycle from the James & Karen Hodgkinson Family Funds of the Manatee Community Foundation to support the implementation of a community-based healthy aging program that will be delivered through The Roskamp Center for Brain Health, a new community resource being established within the Bishop Parker Clinic at The Roskamp Institute. The expanded facility is currently under construction and is anticipated to open in early 2027.
The program will translate cutting-edge scientific research into accessible services that strengthen brain resilience and promote long-term well-being. Built around four core pillars of physical activity, cognitive training, nutrition education, and meaningful social engagement, it will provide adults with practical, evidence-based strategies to support healthy aging, maintain their independence, and enhance their quality of life.
By addressing lifestyle factors that have been scientifically linked to cognitive health, the program will expand access to preventive resources that empower participants to make informed choices that support lifelong brain health.
"We are incredibly grateful to Manatee Community Foundation for investing in this initiative," said Dr. Fiona Crawford, Co-Founder and CEO of The Roskamp Institute. "This support allows us to extend the impact of our research beyond the laboratory by providing our community with evidence-based programs that help individuals take an active role in protecting their brain health as they age. The Roskamp Center for Brain Health was created to bridge scientific discovery with everyday life, and this partnership helps make that vision a reality."
The Roskamp Center for Brain Health is designed to bring research directly into the community by offering educational programs, wellness initiatives, and preventive services grounded in neuroscience. Through this healthy aging program, participants will have greater access to scientifically informed strategies that promote cognitive wellness, healthy lifestyles, and improved quality of life.
About The Roskamp Institute
Founded in 2003, The Roskamp Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing brain health through innovative research into neurological diseases and disorders. The Institute's research includes Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Gulf War illness, and the impacts of red tide. Throughout this work, the Institute has remained focused on one goal: improving brain health and promoting healthy aging for individuals and families in the community and beyond.
About Manatee Community Foundation
Manatee Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with the needs of the community to build a better Manatee County. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy – bringing together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to address complex challenges and create lasting impact. Through strategic grantmaking, community leadership, and meaningful partnerships, Manatee Community Foundation strengthens connections and resources to help our community thrive. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation, visit ManateeCF.org.
