American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Welcomes New Board Members for 2025
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Welcomes New Board Members for 2025
On January 7, 2025, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a prominent organization dedicated to suicide prevention, announced exciting changes within its leadership. The organization welcomed several new members to its National Board of Directors and Scientific Council, enhancing its crucial mission of empowering the public through research, education, support, and advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention.
Leadership Changes
The incoming board members were elected as of December 2024. Notably, four new individuals will join the National Board of Directors, increasing the total membership to 27. The newly appointed members are:
- - Sabrina Gracias, CFA from the Ortus Foundation
- - Antony Loebel, M.D. of Seaport Therapeutics
- - Kabir Nath from Compass Pathways
- - Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber, Ph.D. of the Columbia Lighthouse Project
In addition to the new members, existing board member Tami Benton, M.D. from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has been appointed as the Vice President of the National Board. Concurrently, Scott Rising from LinkedIn now chairs the Public Policy Council, further strengthening AFSP's commitment to advocacy and making impactful changes in suicide prevention.
Scientific Council Enhancements
AFSP also welcomed three new members to its Scientific Council, which now includes a total of 17 experts. The new members are:
- - Sanjay Mathew, M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine
- - Marian (Emmy) Betz, M.D. from the University of Colorado
- - Jitender Sareen, M.D. from the University of Manitoba
These experts will be instrumental in guiding the organization’s research initiatives and furthering its understanding of mental health and suicide prevention.
Acknowledging Contributions
As the AFSP’s CEO Robert Gebbia emphasizes, “AFSP could not fulfill its mission without the contributions of expertise and resources provided by our National Board and Scientific Council. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our cause.” Many who join AFSP’s leadership do so from a place of personal experience, showcasing a commitment that comes from both passion and necessity.
The Scientific Council is also bidding farewell to some members, including:
- - David Brent, M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh
- - Matthew Nock, Ph.D. from Harvard University
- - Yogesh Dwivedi, Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
AFSP extends its gratitude to these experts for their invaluable service and dedication in enhancing the understanding of suicide and its prevention.
AFSP’s Mission Moving Forward
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention remains committed to saving lives and fostering hope among those affected by suicide, particularly individuals who have suffered loss. The organization works tirelessly to create a culture that prioritizes mental health through public education and community outreach programs. Furthermore, AFSP actively engages in research and advocacy to facilitate improvements in suicide prevention efforts.
Headquartered in New York, with a significant public policy office located in Washington, D.C., AFSP has established local chapters extending across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. With various programs and events underway, AFSP continues to make strides nationwide to address this pressing issue directly impacting many lives.
For those interested in becoming part of the conversation around suicide prevention, AFSP encourages engagement through its social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Join the Conversation
AFSP is continually seeking to expand awareness and education surrounding mental health issues and suicide prevention. Anyone interested in the mission of AFSP is encouraged to view the latest Annual Report and participate in ongoing discussions and events.
For media inquiries, AFSP requests that you fill out their press request form and review the Ethical Reporting guidelines they have provided, ensuring sensitive topics like suicide are handled with utmost care and respect.
Topics Health）
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