RECOGNIZING ROBERT GEBBIA

Quick facts

Record: House Floor
Section type: Recognition
Chamber: House
Date: June 23, 2026
Congress: 119th Congress
Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.

Readable version of the official text

Mr. Beyer of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend and the current CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mr. Robert Gebbia, for his extraordinary leadership in suicide prevention and in recognition of his planned retirement at the end of the year. There is no better time to recognize Robert than in this season where we devote great attention to mental health awareness.

For nearly three decades he has guided the American Foundation for

Suicide Prevention to national prominence. Under Robert's leadership, AFSP has expanded to 73 chapters across the country and become the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the world, investing nearly $100 million in lifesaving initiatives.

He has led national awareness campaigns, educational programs, and

Out of the Darkness Walks, providing support and hope to millions of individuals and families affected by suicide.

He has also strengthened public policy and advocacy, uniting

thousands of volunteer advocates to secure State and Federal funding for suicide prevention and mental health programs nationwide.

In addition, Mr. Gebbia has served in numerous national leadership roles, including as a founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention, a member of the National Lifeline Advisory Committee, in the executive committee of the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and as past chair of the board of directors of the National Health Council.