Beyond the Spotlight: Daly and Gold Honored for Mental Health Advocacy

NEW YORK, NY – February 24, 2026 – The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will honor television host Carson Daly and Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold for their significant contributions to mental health advocacy at its 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala. The event, set for May 7, 2026, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, will bring together leaders and supporters to raise crucial funds for the nation's largest private funder of suicide prevention research.

The evening, overlooking Central Park, serves as both a celebration of progress and a vital fundraiser for AFSP's extensive research, education, and support initiatives. Hosted by author and advocate Michell C. Clark, the gala underscores a powerful shift in public discourse, where personal stories are becoming the most effective tools for change.

"AFSP's annual Lifesavers Gala is an evening which brings people together to share inspiring stories of hope, healing, and connection, and is a reminder of how caring people can make a difference in the lives of others," said AFSP Chief Executive Officer Bob Gebbia. "This year's honorees demonstrate a deep passion and commitment to bringing hope to those affected by suicide, through personal storytelling, advocating for mental health and suicide prevention, conducting lifesaving research, and by being champions for our cause."

Champions of Change: The Power of Personal Stories

This year’s Lifesaver Award honorees, Carson Daly and Gracie Gold, represent the profound impact of public figures using their platforms to dismantle stigma. Their willingness to speak openly about their personal struggles has helped normalize conversations around mental health for millions.

Carson Daly, the familiar co-host of NBC's TODAY and The Voice, has been a vocal advocate since publicly sharing his lifelong experience with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in 2018. He described his diagnosis as "the best day of my life" because it provided an explanation for his struggles and a path toward management. Daly has since used his national platform to discuss his journey, partner with organizations like Project Healthy Minds, and co-host AFSP's own "I'm Listening" radio show, creating spaces for open dialogue and resource sharing.

Gracie Gold, a two-time U.S. national figure skating champion and Olympic bronze medalist, brought the intense pressures of elite athletics into sharp focus with her 2024 New York Times Bestselling memoir, Outofshapeworthlessloser. The book is a raw, unflinching account of her journey through an eating disorder, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation. Gold courageously challenged the culture of silence in sports, revealing she sought treatment for suicidal thoughts when the official narrative was less specific. Now an IOC Mental Health Ambassador, she advocates for fellow athletes, reminding them that their self-worth is not tied to their performance.

A Growing Movement: Athlete Mental Health Takes Center Stage

Gracie Gold’s advocacy is part of a larger, transformative movement within professional sports. For decades, the immense pressure to appear invincible often forced athletes to suffer in silence. Today, a new generation of stars is rewriting the rules. Athletes like gymnast Simone Biles, who prioritized her mental well-being at the Tokyo Olympics, and tennis star Naomi Osaka have sparked global conversations about the unique mental health challenges inherent in high-stakes competition.

This wave of honesty has prompted tangible change within sports leagues and organizations. The NBA's Mind Health Program, launched in 2018, requires every team to have a licensed mental health professional. The NFL mandates that teams retain a behavioral health clinician. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) now offers a 24/7 confidential support line and other mental health resources for Team USA athletes. This growing infrastructure acknowledges a simple truth championed by athletes like Gold: mental health is health, and protecting it is essential for both performance and personal well-being.

Fueling the Fight: The Gala's Role in AFSP's Mission

The Lifesavers Gala is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a critical engine for AFSP's life-saving work. The funds raised are funneled directly into the organization's four-pronged strategy: research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide. Past galas have been remarkably successful, with the 35th annual event in 2024 raising over $800,000.

These funds support evidence-informed educational programs like "Talk Saves Lives," which in-person and virtual presentations have shown to increase participants' knowledge and willingness to act. In 2021 alone, AFSP reached over 30,000 people through 1,300 virtual presentations. The foundation's advocacy arm uses research to push for effective mental health policies at state and federal levels, while its support programs, such as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, provide a sense of community and hope to those grieving a loss. Surveys show that 98% of "Survivor Day" participants report feeling more supported and connected afterward.

A Broader Alliance for Mental Wellness

The success of the gala and AFSP's mission relies on a broad coalition of supporters, including corporate partners who have integrated mental health into their own core values. This year's Gala Chair sponsor is Johnson & Johnson, with its Worldwide Vice President for Neuroscience, Peter Fang, serving as the event chair. Johnson & Johnson's involvement extends far beyond this single event, reflecting a deep, long-standing commitment to mental wellness.

The global healthcare company has implemented a "Healthy Mind" policy to support its own workforce, creating Mental Health Diplomats to reduce stigma internally. Through its foundation, the company has also committed $300 million to support the psychosocial well-being of frontline health workers. Globally, Johnson & Johnson has worked in countries like Rwanda to train community health workers in identifying mental illness and has a half-century legacy of developing treatments for conditions affecting the brain. This holistic approach, from the corporate office to global public health, demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that mirrors the collaborative spirit needed to address the mental health crisis. The gala stands as a testament to this collaborative power, uniting public figures, corporate leaders, and grassroots supporters in a shared mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.