A message of hope filled Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room in New York City on May 8, as AFSP’s 25th Annual Lifesavers Dinner raised over $475,000 for suicide prevention research, education and advocacy, and to support survivors of suicide loss.
The dinner was chaired by Dr. William H. Carson, president and CEO, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc., and Staffan Schüberg, president, Lundbeck Inc., U.S. subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S. Actress, author and advocate Mariel Hemingway served as the evening’s host.
“I do not think my message is special in any way. I actually think it is more normal than it is unique,” said Hemingway, who has spoken publicly about the history of mental illness and suicide in her family, as well as her own struggles with depression. “My journey, my struggles, my fears are similar to millions of people around the world, and so getting the message out about mental illness is critical. It’s necessary and it’s done so well by this amazing organization.”
Hemingway and over 250 guests were on hand to honor a public figure who has become a powerful voice for suicide prevention, a heroic civil servant who has saved hundreds of people from taking their own lives, two researchers who have contributed to our understanding of the experience and factors related to suicidal behavior, and the country’s most popular sports league for encouraging its players to seek help.
We are totally committed to this cause and the advocacy around mental health and suicide prevention. —Troy Vincent
All-Pro defensive back Troy Vincent, who serves as senior vice president of the NFL Player Engagement organization, accepted AFSP’s Humanitarian Award on behalf of the National Football League.
The NFL is being recognized for its work to encourage help-seeking behavior among its players, their family members and team personnel through its establishment of the NFL Life Line, of which AFSP is a partner. The NFL is also generously supporting neurological research to benefit those who suffer from brain illnesses and need treatment. The leadership the league is providing has brought a new level of national attention to the problem of suicide, which will save lives both within and outside the NFL family.
“We learned a lot in 2012. We lost five family members. Four players and one employee,” Vincent said. “We understand the power of our brand and the influence of our players. We can make a difference.
“In our world, players do not discuss things that will come across as any sign of weakness. But former players, our greats, who at some point in time received treatment, who had suicidal thoughts, are now coming back and speaking to our young men that are active, and to those that are retired. It’s peer-to-peer support, which we learned from the military. We are totally committed to this cause and the advocacy around mental health and suicide prevention.”
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