Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Charlotte, North Carolina
Victor Armstrong serves as Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Victor previously served as the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer for North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services. Victor has also served as Director of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to his NC state government roles, Victor was Vice President of Behavioral Health with Atrium Health, based in Charlotte, NC.
Victor has over 30 years of experience in human services, primarily dedicated to building and strengthening community resources to serve individuals who have been historically marginalized. As a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding both a mental health and social justice, he has spoken at events nationwide and abroad, on topics including suicide in marginalized communities, implicit bias in behavioral health, and the role of faith communities in mental wellness. He has appeared before Congress, contributed to national policy development, and been featured in national media outlets, including The New York Times, PBS, and other publications.
Victor currently serves on the steering committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He also serves on the Board of Directors for College for Behavioral Health Leadership, I2I Center for integrative health, and McLeod Centers for Wellbeing. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for East Carolina University School of Social Work, and is the host of the “Strong Talk” podcast.
Victor’s awards and recognitions include, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 2025 National Social Worker of the Year, Living Waters Annual Mental Health Summit 2022 “Lifetime Mental Health Champion” Award, National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) 2022 NC 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, and many more.
Victor graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and received his MSW from East Carolina University.
A18 - Unpacking the Unknowns: A Framework for Evaluating Suicide Prevention in the United States
Monday, April 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT