Victor Armstrong, MSW

Victor (Vic) Armstrong serves as the Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), where he leads initiatives to reduce health disparities and promote mental wellness on a national scale. Vic is a nationally recognized leader and advocate with over 30 years of experience in human services, dedicated to strengthening community resources for historically marginalized populations.

Prior to joining AFSP, Vic held several landmark leadership roles within the North Carolina state government and private healthcare sectors including having served as the inaugural Chief Health equity Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS). Prior to his CHEO role, Vic served as director of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. He also spent six years as Vice President of Behavioral Health with Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC.

As a prominent speaker on the intersection of mental health and social justice, Victor has addressed audiences globally on topics such as suicide in marginalized communities, implicit bias in behavioral health, and the vital role of faith communities in wellness. His expertise has led him to testify before Congress and contribute to national policy development. He has often been cited or quoted in media outlets including The New York Times, Huffington Post, and PBS.

Vic is deeply committed to governing the future of behavioral health, serving on several boards and committees including being a Steering Committee member for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, as well as serving on the board of directors for the College for Behavioral Health Leadership, and McLeod Centers for Wellbeing. He is a Member of NC Institute of Medicine and serves on the board of advisors for the East Carolina University School of Social Work.

Many people know Vic from his social media presence which he utilizes to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the need to eliminate discrimination against those living with mental health challenges. Perhaps he is best known for his elaborate collection of mental health advocacy t-shirts which he wears in his posts. He is also the host of the “Strong Talk” podcast, a platform dedicated to candid conversations on mental health access.

Vic’s career-long dedication has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including Chinese American Convention Allyship Award, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Worker of the Year, Living Waters Mental Health Summit’s Lifetime Mental Health Champion, NASW-NC Social Worker of the Year, Addiction Professionals of NC (APNC) DEI Leadership & Impact Award, Mental Health America’s Keith Brunnemer, Jr. Outstanding Mental Health Leadership, East Carolina University School of Social Work Distinguished Alumni Award.

A proud HBCU alum, Vic graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree in business management before earning his Master of Social Work (MSW) from East Carolina University. He resides in North Carolina with his wife, Dr. Charletta Armstrong, and is the proud father of three sons: Carter, Alonzo, and Victor Jr.