April Simpkins to be honored as 2022 Mental Health Advocate

Mar 13, 2023

We are proud to announce we will honor April Simpkins as the 2022 Mental Health Advocate of the Year.

Fayetteville, North Carolina Mar 13, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - We are proud to announce we will honor April Simpkins as the 2022 Mental Health Advocate of the Year.

"I advocate for mental health because of the impact our mental health has on every part of our daily living from our peace to our sense of self, to our physical health. I advocate publicly and boldly to help break the stigma associated with talking out loud about our mental health struggles and challenges. And I advocate in honor of my daughter, Cheslie, who battled depression for years until she couldn't fight anymore. May she rest in peace knowing that I will continue to be a voice in the mental health space, so no one feels unseen, unheard, or unvalued." - April Simpkins, SHRM-CP, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

April Simpkins, SHRM-CP, CDP is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Questco Companies, a human resources services firm focused on supporting the HR needs of small- to mid-sized businesses. Her expertise and 30+ years of HR experience, coupled with her continued study of Human Resources trends, have made her a trusted advisor for many in the business community. It also led to an invitation to The Business Journal Leadership Trust, which allows her to share her expertise with leaders nationwide. She has received numerous accolades during her career, including the 2020 Women In Business Achievement Award from the Charlotte Business Journal. April was also named one of Charlotte, NC's 50 most influential women by The Mecklenburg Times.

April is also an advocate for mental health. She became a more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter, Cheslie Kryst who battled depression for many years. April, an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness and promoting mental wellness in the workplace. April has shared Cheslie's story emphasizing the importance of mental health on national programs including Red Table Talk, CBS Mornings, and ExtraTV. She has also contributed to print media, including the New York Times.

About the Inaugural Behavioral Health Awards Gala

This year, we are awarding individuals across varying professions for their dedication and service to people with behavioral health needs. In addition, this black-tie inaugural gala will be a beautiful evening to connect behavioral health professionals and investors across the great state of North Carolina with live music, words from those impacted by the service of these professionals, and much more.

If you are interested in purchasing a table, please reach out to us or visit www.familiesofusa.com/gala.

What: Inaugural Behavioral Health Awards Gala

Who: Family Services of America

When: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Where: The Carolina Barn - Spring Lake, NC