There is a shortage of brain tissue donated for research into mental illnesses. There would be a lot more research into our disorders if the tissue were available for scientists to study. The Harvard Brain Bank has been working with the NAMI National Board of Directors to identify how NAMI members might be educated about the value of brain donation. State presidents and executive directors have been asked to identify volunteers to act as “Brain Bank Champions” for their state. These individuals will educate others about the value of brain donation to NAMI members at the state and local affiliate levels. If you are interested in being a Brain Bank Champion for your state, please attend this workshop! If you are interested in finding out more about brain donation, you are welcome. If you just want to hear the Brain Bank Jingle, come on in!

• Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D., national spokesperson, Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, Bloomington, IN