Press Kit
20-25% of Americans have a diagnosable mental and or/substance use disorder in any given year. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. As many as 10% of children experience serious emotional challenges. 15-20% of people in jails and prisons in the U.S. have a serious mental illness.
But we know that treatment works, and that healing and help are happening every day.
Vibrant administers nationally-recognized services including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), the Disaster Distress Helpline, the NFL Life Line, and NYC Well. Our programs provide hands-on services and resources to people affected by mental health concerns at all stages of life. Vibrant’s experts are available to provide information and interviews about our programs, policy issues, and news that impact the people we serve.
Contact Information
For general inquiries, write to info@vibrant.org
For press inquiries, contact Divendra Jaffar at djaffar@vibrant.org
For social media, contact Ashley Vactor at avactor@vibrant.org
For media assets not listed below, contact Kelsey Rauber at krauber@vibrant.org
Media Assets
How To Talk About Mental Health Fact Sheet
Support for Suicidal Individuals on Social and Digital Media
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Kimberly Williams
President and CEO

Kimberly A. Williams is the President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, a nonprofit organization which reaches over 2.5 million people each year to help them achieve emotional well-being through high quality, innovative programs. She began as a public policy intern in 2003, rising to President and CEO in 2017. She has served the mental health industry through various positions, including mental health advocate, administrator, educator, and consultant.
Under her leadership, the 50+ year-old organization rebranded to be better positioned for the future of mental health in our society and to communicate a positive vision for all who are impacted by mental health challenges. As CEO, Williams has overseen the expansion of Vibrant’s premier programs they administer, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), the Disaster Distress Helpline, and NYC Well, New York City’s leading edge, multi-lingual, multi-modal contact center program that responds around the clock to the mental health needs of over 300,000 New Yorkers every year.
Williams serves on a number of advisory committees and boards including the New York State Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependence Planning Council, the New York State Health Foundation Community Advisory Committee, Mental Health News Education Inc., United Community Schools, and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging, for whom she is immediate past chair. Her leadership in the field has been recognized by City and State New York, New York Nonprofit Media, Mental Health Association in New York State, and the National Association of Social Workers NYC Chapter. Williams has been an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University School of Social Work and NYU Silver School of Social Work. Her voice has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CBS Evening News, The Today Show and more.
Click here for Vibrant’s Media Mentions
Press Releases
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May 31, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health to Create Advisory Board and Committing $600K to Address AANHPI Mental Health Needs Across America
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May 25, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health Partners with NYC Department of Youth & Community Development to host Healing the Hurt Conference
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May 17, 2023: Have Some Fun Today Presents The Elsie Project
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May 5, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health to Host 3rd Annual Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium in Washington D.C.
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April 26, 2023: Galit & Daisies Partner to Host Fourth Annual “Pausing for the Cause” Suicide Awareness Dinner
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April 10, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health to Bring Its Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium to Washington, D.C., This May
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February 7, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health Names Lesleigh Irish-Underwood as Chief External Affairs Officer & Head of Brand
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January 17, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health Names Dr. Tia Dole as New Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer
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January 16, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health President & CEO Kimberly A. Williams Recognized as a 2023 Leader in New York Health Care
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January 12, 2023: Vibrant Emotional Health Announces Response Crisis Center as a New Disaster Distress Helpline Center as It Expands Online Peer Support Offerings
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November 18, 2022: Native and Strong Lifeline Launches as Part of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Network
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November 16, 2022: Vibrant Emotional Health Receives $5 Million Gift From Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott
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July 15, 2022: HOPE HAS A NEW NUMBER – 988 Becomes National Access Code for Anyone Needing Mental Health Support
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May 19, 2022: Vibrant Emotional Health Provides Senate Testimony on Mental Health Care for Older Adults
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April 21, 2022: Vibrant Emotional Health to Host ‘Bridging the Gap’ Virtual Symposium
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April 14, 2022: National Council Honors Vibrant Emotional Health
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April 11, 2022: National Disaster Distress Helpline Turns 10
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March 1, 2022: Vibrant Emotional Health Hires Chief Technology Officer
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December 14, 2021: New Study Proves Stories of Hope and Recovery Prevent Suicides
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December 1, 2021: Vibrant Emotional Health Launches Digital Tool to Help Support Those in Mental Health and Emotional Distress
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October 25, 2021: Disaster Distress Helpline Launches New Online Peer Support Communities
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October 12, 2021: Vibrant Emotional Health Joins MTV Entertainment for Mental Health Youth Action Forum
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September 7, 2021: National Disaster Distress Helpline Available for Anyone in the U.S. Experiencing Distress and Other Mental Health Concerns Related to Disaster
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September 1, 2021: As the 20th Memorial Date of 9/11 Approaches, National Disaster Distress Helpline Available to Those Who Are Struggling
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June 16, 2021: SAMHSA Awards Vibrant Emotional Health the Grant to Administer 988 Dialing Code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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January 25, 2021: Vibrant Emotional Health to Provide State Grants in Preparation for Future 988 Dialing Code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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March 3, 2020: Vibrant Emotional Health Launches “Safe Space,” a Digital Resource for People Seeking Emotional Support
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December 18, 2019: Vibrant Emotional Health Receives Twilio Grant to Create Innovative Technology to Support People in Mental Health or Suicidal Crisis
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October 9, 2019: Vibrant Emotional Health to Provide Additional Support for Local Call Centers of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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May 21, 2019: Vibrant Emotional Health’s 27thAnnual Gala Raises Over $600,000 To Transform Emotional Health Of Those In Need
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May 13, 2019: Vibrant Emotional Health to Host 27th Annual Gala, “Share. Connect. Heal.” Evening Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Ashton Featuring a Performance by Gloria Reuben
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March 25, 2019: Disaster Distress Helpline Available for Those Emotionally Affected by Mass Violence and Other Disasters
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January 22, 2019: Vibrant Emotional Health and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families Awarded Three-Year Contract to Provide Mental Health Awareness Training to Veterans’ Service Provider Networks
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August 1, 2018: Non-profit Disaster Psychiatry Outreach Joins Vibrant Emotional Health to Create Comprehensive Emotional Support Services in the Aftermath of Disasters
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June 26, 2018: Vibrant Emotional Health’s 26th Annual Gala Honors Grammy-nominated Def Jam artist and Mental Health Advocate, Logic and Kevin J. Danehy, Global Head of Corporate Development at Brookfield
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June 14, 2018: Mental Health Association of New York City becomes Vibrant Emotional Health and will build on their record of innovation to help people achieve emotional wellbeing
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September 22, 2017: Disaster Distress Helpline Available for People Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria
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September 12, 2017: Disaster Distress Helpline Available for People Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
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July 6, 2017: MHA-NYC Names Jennifer Ashley Board Chair and Promotes Kimberly Williams to CEO
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June 14, 2017: MHA-NYC Receives 2017 Innovation in Programming Award From Mental Health America
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June 8, 2017: Mental Health Association of NYC Raises $516,625 to Support Mental Health at 25th Annual Gala
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June 5, 2017: MHA-NYC to Honor First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray at Annual Gala
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May 10, 2017: MHA-NYC Gala Calls Upon Public to Start Talking Openly About Mental Health
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April 28, 2017: Rap Artist Logic Releases Song “1-800-273-8255,” Highlights the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as Resource
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April 20, 2017: MHA-NYC Launches New Website
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April 13, 2017: An Evening of Art Benefiting New York City’s Bronx Adolescent Skills Center
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March 1, 2017: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Joins Facebook to Release New Suicide Prevention Tools
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January 23, 2017: A National Mental Health Agenda
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January 19, 2017: Inauguration Weekend, Support Is Available 24/7
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January 12, 2017: The Truth Behind “Blue Monday” Viral Post
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June 13, 2016: Disaster Distress Helpline Offering Support After Orlando Attacks
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April 20, 2016: MHA-NYC and Beacon Health Options Awarded Three-Year Contract to Run NYC Support
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April 20, 2016: Provider Chosen for NYC Support, Upcoming 24/7 Mental Health Hotline (Office of the Mayor’s Release)
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April 14, 2016: MHA-NYC Gala Raises Funds in Support of the Many Faces of Mental Health
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April 7, 2016: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Software Used By MHA-NYC Given Government’s Highest Rating
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March 14, 2016: MHA-NYC to Honor Former U.S. Representative and National Mental Health Advocate Patrick J. Kennedy at Annual Gala
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February 23, 2016: Mental Health Association of New York City Names Michael Rosen, Innovative Non-Profit Leader and Award-Winning TV News Producer as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications
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October 15, 2014: The Mental Health Association of New York City and NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez Launch iHelp: Sandy Stress Relief in Nassau County
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October 1, 2014: MHA-NYC Gala Raises Over $1 Million And Spotlights Companies Committed to Hiring Veterans
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July 15, 2014: MHA-NYC Gala Recognizes Corporate Leaders Committed to Hiring Veterans
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February 18, 2014: The Mental Health Association of New York City Announces Partnership with PSCH, Inc.
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October 28, 2013: As the One Year Anniversary Approaches, MHA-NYC Offers Specialized Services for People Struggling After Hurricane Sandy
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May 3, 2013: MHA-NYC Holds Call Center Open House on May 22
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April 24, 2013: Superbowl Champion Howard Cross Joins MHA-NYC Gala as Emcee
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April 19, 2013: 3 Dead, 176 Injured, Millions Traumatized: Crisis Hotlines Vital to Disaster Recovery
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April 17, 2013: MHA-NYC Crisis Contact Center Rallies to Support People in Distress After the Attack on the Boston Marathon
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April 16, 2013: MHA-NYC to Hold “Where There is Help, There is Hope” Gala Event On June 6 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City
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April 5, 2013: Grand Opening Event for Family Resource Center of Western Queens & Queens Adolescent Skills Center
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February 1, 2013: Michael B. Friedman Policy Event is Rescheduled to March 6, 2013
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January 8, 2013: Voices of September 11th and MHA-NYC Receive Grant to Assist in Outreach for Those in Lower Manhattan Affected by 9/11/01
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December 26, 2013: Experts Available to Discuss Mental Health Policy, Firearm Violence and Suicide Prevention
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December 17, 2013: Resources Available to Help with Emotional Distress From Hurricane Sandy During the Holidays