ASPIRATION
The PranaMind Institute for Brain Wellness envisions neurocognitive mental health services being widely accessible to all individuals seeking mental and emotional well-being regardless of socioeconomic background or location.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the PranaMind Institute for Brain Wellness is to raise the level of awareness in BIPOC communities about cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration and brain related injuries while offering neurocognitive mental health services in a safe and caring environment at no-cost or low-cost access for the underserved and disenfranchised.
As a facility, the PranaMind Institute for Brain Wellness (PIBW) wants to Increase understanding and sensitivity to issues of race and ethnicity in neurocognitive research by giving full opportunity and participation to individuals and groups traditionally underrepresented in neuroscience research, especially African Americans.
As a training facility, PIBW is steadfast in its commitment to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities conducting neurocognitive researchPIBW’s investigators and trainees are dedicated to supporting neurocognitive research projects and programs for underserved populations of African-ancestry and Latin-ancestry at high risk for brain related problems but have minimal chance to access state of the art evaluation and effective treatments. PIBW research enterprise is built on three pillars:
- Funding for African-Centered Neurocognitive Research & Training.
- Funding to subsidize neurocognitive services to disenfranchised communities of African Americans
- Funding to raise public awareness about brain health and wellness research.
Funding for African-Centered Neurocognitive Research & Training
The systemic lack of data from African American participants renders neuroscience research findings less generalizable, negatively impacting existing disparities in theoretical knowledge applicable to this population. PIBW research investigates the African cultural and spiritual roots of modern-day neuroscience with a focus on African-centered concepts of rhythm and timing as it relates to brain functioning. Evidence suggests that rhythmicity and timing are important markers for mental wellness allowing for flexibility, resilience, awareness and control (cultural-spiritual alignment). The PIBW research hypothesizes rhythm and timing impacts all brain systems and networks to various degrees and that with proper neuro rhythmic training the mind, body, and spirit improves overall timing in brain processing functions.
PIBW research explores the origins pertaining to (1) the impact of stress on brain rhythms; (2) the neurobiology of stress; and 3) psychological and physiological stress factors. Our primary research interests are in restoring balance and synchronicity in brain systems through brain training strategies thereby reducing the impact of stress on brain functioning and restoring a healthy brain.
Key Performance Indicators. Unique to the PIBW, we collect key performance indicators (KPIs). Our KPI outcomes measure the reduction in the severity of client-selected, client-rated concerns. We also collect data on the impact of neurofeedback on client’s quality of life, behavior, cognitive function and regulatory function as well as client ratings and reviews.
Funding to Subsidize Neurocognitive Services to Disenfranchised Communities of African Americans
When compared to the general population, African Americans have less access to neurologic care, worse neurologic outcomes, disproportionate morbidity, and restricted access to neurotechnology. The mission of the PIBW is to make neurocognitive mental health services accessible at no-cost or low-cost to underserved or difficult-to-engage African American populations across a wide range of neurologic conditions that include but are not limited to:
- At-risk children with mental, learning, emotional or behavior disorder
- Domestic violence
- Foster care
- Homeless/Unhoused Individuals
- Previously incarcerated
- Juvenile justice
- Low-income
- Mild cognitive/subjective cognitive impairment, TBI & related cognitive deficits
- Neurosensory challenged
Funding to Raise Public Awareness About Brain Health and Wellness Research
Lack of knowledge and understanding about brain health and wellness, poor communication, mistrust of medical systems are common barriers limiting African American participation in research. PIBW’s goal is to inform and educate African Americans from marginalized communities to learn to learn about how their brains function, to improve their brain health and wellness and to increase BIPOC and African Americans participation in neurocognitive research. PIBW provides the best available evidence about brain health and wellness through collaborative partnerships with faith-based institutions, community-based organizations, local service organizations.
