Executive Function for the Win A candid conversation
Every strong team has its secret playbook, and we're taking you inside ours. Our Youth Executive Function team works with educators, parents, and students to build executive function skills in youth through a cognitive-training program.
Our results demonstrate their value: In 14 Title I schools in Maryland, our implementation science approach to the ACTIVATE™ executive function intervention demonstrated statistically significant improvements on validated measures of executive function.
Among students starting with executive function deficits, there was a:
93% improvement in validated measures of working memory
15% increase in validated measures of attention
45% increase in validated measures of self-control
During a recent team meeting, we looked inward and reflected on our own executive function skills, the ones that are game changers and the ones we are leveling up next!
We hope this candid conversation inspires you to pause and think about your “mental game changers.” These insights make us better colleagues, professionals, family members, and people. They improve our mental health and well-being. And they directly connect us to the science we champion!
BrainFutures was invited by Cantor Fitzgerald to talk about psychedelics during a fireside chat with investors. Executive Director, Sarah Norman, described barriers to mental health treatments as well as the work underway to build infrastructure to support access and reimbursement, to train the workforce, and to establish clinical standards and care models for psychedelics post-FDA approval.
Sarah also discussed the ways BrainFutures is collaborating with partners and engaging educators, providers, and policymakers.
Thank you to Cantor Fitzgerald for the engaging conversation.
Pictured left to right: Jessica Rose-Malm, Youth Executive Function (YEF) Project Director Sarah Norman, BrainFutures Executive Director Kadena Williams, YEF Project Manager
In the Community
Fueling hope for mental health treatments
We joined thousands of others in Baltimore at the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Walk. It was an inspiring day that fueled our purpose to advance mental health treatments for those who desperately need them.
"It's not enough to be aware -- mental health can't be treated as an afterthought of physical health; reimbursement must be better for mental health; and innovation is absolutely critical."
-- Sarah Norman, Executive Director
Breakthroughs Can't Wait
Too often, promising breakthroughs in mental health and wellness remain out of reach. They are recognized for their potential in scientific journals, but they aren't available in our communities.
"Realizing widespread access to psychedelic therapies will depend on whether we have the right systems in place. BrainFutures is creating those systems by developing Professional Practice Guidelines, providing guidance on billing, and building the psychedelic workforce through actionable toolkits and meaningful policy."
-- Nick Nowak, PharmD
Through Provider Roundtables, toolkits, and research, we're building a future where psychedelic therapy is available safely for those who need it. Help us continue the work that provides hope and healing to families and communities across the country.
Sometimes innovation isn't something new, but it's tapping into something already on our shelves. This month, we're looking at research on probiotics as a treatment for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
In November, we'll honor our Veterans and recognize their sacrifices. With so many suffering from PTSD, the University of Colorado School of Medicine is researching probiotics as a treatment option for Veterans. Join our discussionon this innovation or read about the latest studies.
On LinkedIn, we featured our whitepaper from earlier this year, which serves as a guidepost on factors that will influence access to psychedelic therapy. We surveyed providers from 15 states, and this research has elicited new ideas for potential upcoming discussions. Join the conversation on these topics on our LinkedIn page.
Tax-deductible gifts support our nonprofit's groundbreaking research, tools, and advocacy that accelerates the adoption of innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve brain health and well-being.
Help us bridge the gap between research, innovation, and practice.
