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Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2020): The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is pleased to announce that Victor Armstrong, ‪Director of the NC Division of Mental Health at North Carolina DHHS, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services, has joined its Board of Directors. With over 30 years of experience in human services, Victor has spent his career dedicated to building and strengthening community resources to serve individuals living with mental illness.

“In addition to a passion for suicide prevention, I also bring to the board, experience in systems management, public policy, and working to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention in historically marginalized communities,” said Mr. Armstrong. “We have a great deal of work to do in bringing political influence to the work we do, and in doing so with a lens toward eradicating suicide for all people, including those impacted by longstanding health disparities.”

Victor also serves on the board of directors of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) NC. He is also former board chair of NAMI NC, and a member of NASW-NC. Victor is a former member of the Board of Directors of National Council for Behavioral Health, i2i Center for Integrative Health, and RI International. 

“I am personally excited to welcome Victor Armstrong to the board,” said Anthony Wood, AAS Board Chair. “Not only is Mr. Armstrong well-known for his leadership in suicide prevention, both at the state and national levels, but I also have great respect for the work that he’s accomplished. He’s a welcome addition to our board leadership.”

Victor’s awards and recognitions include 2019 Black Mental Health Symposium – Mental Health Advocate of the Year, 2019 Atrium Health Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award, 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award from East Carolina University School of Social Work, Pride Magazine 2018 “Best of the Best”, and i2i Center for Integrative Health 2018 Innovation Award for “Whole Person Care”, 2012 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NC, Mental Health Professional of the Year.

AAS is dedicated to providing representation that effectively communicates the needs and goals of its membership. By continuing to include a diverse roster of individuals who can address these components, AAS, its divisions and committees, and its Board of Directors work strategically to create programs focused on ending suicide in this country and throughout the world. 

For the Media: Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides. Please visit the Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more information. For additional information, please visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com.

About AAS: The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have in interest in suicide prevention. You can learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.