AFSP Honors Mental Health Advocates, Researchers at Annual Gala

Event summary

  • AFSP's 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 7, 2026, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
  • Honorees include Olympian Gracie Gold, media personality Carson Daly, The JED Foundation founders Phil and Donna Satow, and researchers Jane Pearson and Holly Wilcox.
  • Proceeds support AFSP's suicide prevention research, public education, and policy and advocacy efforts.
  • Gala chaired by Peter Fang, Worldwide Vice President, Neuroscience, Global Commercial Strategy Organization, Johnson & Johnson.
  • Sponsors include Johnson & Johnson, Crowe LLP, The Columbia Lighthouse Project, NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and The Ortus Foundation.

The big picture

The AFSP's Annual Lifesavers Gala underscores the growing intersection of public advocacy and scientific research in mental health. With high-profile honorees and corporate sponsors, the event highlights the increasing mainstream attention to suicide prevention. The strategic significance lies in AFSP's ability to translate public awareness into tangible research outcomes and policy changes.

What we're watching

Fundraising Impact
The pace at which AFSP can leverage the gala's proceeds to advance its research and advocacy initiatives.
Advocacy Reach
How the recognition of high-profile honorees will amplify AFSP's public education efforts.
Research Collaboration
Whether the honorees' research contributions will lead to new partnerships or breakthroughs in suicide prevention.