About the Gala
Join us! We're back at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30pm.
Whether you join us in-person or virtually, we can't wait to see you!
At this year’s Lifesavers Gala, we are proud to honor those who bring hope in the fight against suicide. From scientists, to public policy advocates, to loss and attempt survivors and others, Gala honorees have gone above and beyond in drawing attention to the cause of suicide prevention, elevating public discourse around mental health and suicide, and successfully creating real change within our society as a means to ending this leading cause of death.
In addition to raising much-needed funds for AFSP’s leading initiatives in the areas of research, education, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide, the Gala is an opportunity for our supporters to come together and recognize the past year’s accomplishments. Our distinguished guests share inspiring and informative stories about how suicide has affected them, and their valiant and passionate efforts to fight it.
2022 Gala Host
Tanaye White, Model, Entrepreneur & Mental Health Advocate
2022 Gala Chair
John Arena, SVP, Head of Lundbeck US
Honorees
Suicide Prevention Champion Award: Kenneth Cole, The Mental Health Coalition
Public Education Award: Melissa Bernstein, Melissa & Doug and LifeLines
Survivor of Suicide Loss: Courtney B. Vance, Award-Winning Actor
Lifetime Achievement Research Award: David Brent, M.D. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
Research Award: Brian Ahmedani, Ph.D., Director, Center for Health Policy & Health Services Research at Henry Ford Health System
Sponsors
Lifesavers Gala Committee
David Biondi, Lundbeck | Carla Canuso, M.D., Janssen Research & Development |
Marian and James Cohen, AFSP National Board | Jim Compton, AFSP National Board Chair |
Christopher Epperson, AFSP National Board | Nancy Farrell, AFSP National Board |
Nina Gussack, Troutman Pepper, AFSP National Board | Jonathon Kellerman, AFSP National Board |
Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Behavioral Health & EAP at Aetna, a CVS Health Company, AFSP National Board | Mary Michael, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. |
Ray Paul, Jr., AFSP National Board | Maureen Sheltry, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
Ed Stelmakh, CFO/COO, OptmizeRx, AFSP National Board | Marco Taglietti, M.D., SCYNEXIS, Inc., AFSP National Board |