Stuff that Matters, Ep. 35 - Victor Armstrong, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, North Carolina

Victor Armstrong - Vice President for Health Equity & Engagement at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding health equity and access to healthcare, particularly as it relates to individuals living with mental health challenges.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Victor previously served as North Carolina DHHS’s inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer, with responsibility for leading the overarching strategy and operational goals to promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion.Victor also served as Director of NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (Mental Health Commissioner). Prior to this role Victor served as Vice President for Behavioral Health with Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC.He is the host of “Strong Talk”, a monthly podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, access, and impact as it pertains to mental health and addictions. Victor currently serves on the Steering Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He also serves on the Board of Directors for i2i Center for Integrative Health, College for Behavioral Health Leadership, and McLeod Centers for Wellbeing. In addition, Victor serves on the board of advisors for East Carolina University School of Social Work and the 988 National Steering Committee. He is a member of the NC Institute of Medicine and National Association of Social Workers. Victor’s awards and recognition include:• Living Waters Annual Mental Health Summit 2022 “Lifetime Mental Health Champion” Award• National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) 2022 Social Worker of the Year• Addiction Professionals of NC (APNC) 2021 DEI Leadership & Impact Award• Mental Health America’s 2021 H. Keith Brunnemer, Jr. Award for “Outstanding Mental Health Leadership”• Black Mental Health Symposium 2019 Mental Health Advocate of the Year• Atrium Health 2019 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award• East Carolina University School of Social Work 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award• i2i Center for Integrative Health 2018 Innovation Award for "Whole Person Care"• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NC, 2012 Mental Health Professional of the Year.00:02:30-00:22:15 - His background and experience, the story of his trip to Cameroon.00:23:59–00:43:17 - 988, mental health resources, soul shops.00:43:19-00:55:55 – Growing up as the son of a preacher.00:58:51-1:02:32 – His podcast – “Strong Talk”.1:02:35-1:05:25 – Community events, charity events for suicide prevention, the impacts they have on the research and raising awareness.1:05:26 – Victor’s Stuff that Matters.Subscribe and like, you can also watch full episodes on YouTube. WEBSITE