Brentwood Brain Health Hub Project Advances Through Community Partnership

Jul 23 3:44pm | Jasmine Souers | @jasminesouers

Focus groups are a structured way to gather input from a group of people and are frequently used in business, politics, and general surveys. They are also a powerful tool for researchers to get important feedback and can be used at various stages of a research project. The Brentwood Brain Health Hub project, scheduled to launch in September 2026, started with feedback gathered through focus groups. The evolution of the project has been shaped by input and structured feedback from patients, care givers and community members all along the way.  

In March 2025, investigators from the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) partnered with Brentwood Neighbors and 2nd Mile Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida to invite community residents, caregivers, and representatives from local faith, healthcare, business, and community organizations to participate in focus groups on aging and dementia.  

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Jacksonville where approximately 80% of residents identify as Black or African American. Black and African American communities experience a disproportionate burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and often face barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services.  

In the early focus groups, participants reported limited awareness of brain health, dementia resources, and pathways to care, while individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers described feeling isolated and uncertain about where to seek support. This information was then shared during a community feedback session held in May 2025 where residents identified priorities including brain health education, memory screenings, caregiver support groups, resource navigation services, and dementia-friendly training programs as important needs for them. 

With support from the CCaTS CHAMP Partnership Development Grant Program, these ideas have been translated into plans for a community-based Brain Health Hub. Community volunteers have collected more than 100 surveys from neighborhood residents, providing valuable input that has guided the development of educational materials, hub programming, and a community resource library. The project team has evaluated multiple potential locations and is currently working with several venue partners to identify the most accessible, trusted, and centrally located site for hub activities. 

The Brain Health Hub will serve as both an information resource and a gathering place for community engagement around brain health and dementia. Plans include a library of culturally relevant educational materials, recurring programs on healthy brain aging and dementia, memory screening opportunities, caregiver support activities, and community events designed to reduce stigma and improve access to resources. Programming will continue to be shaped by community feedback and evolving neighborhood priorities. 

The Brentwood Brain Health Hub will be formally introduced to the community at a launch event on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature brain health education, caregiver support resources, and participation from community partners including ElderSource and the Alzheimer’s Association. Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hub resources, learn about the upcoming schedule of monthly programs and events, and participate in interactive activities focused on healthy brain aging and dementia awareness. Community members will also be invited to share their ideas and feedback to help guide the future development of the Hub and ensure that its programs continue to reflect their needs and priorities. 