Project Healthy Minds has found a pair of marquee headliners to honor at its fourth annual World Mental Health Day Festival: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple and Archewell Foundation co-founders will be feted as humanitarians of the year for their “global efforts in building a safer, more equitable digital world for families and youth, and their meaningful contributions to advancing mental well-being worldwide.” They are set to accept in person at the org’s gala on Oct. 9, and the next day they will appear during the festival as their foundation is partnering with Project Healthy Minds to co-produce a series of discussions focused on change makers in the mental health space. Archewell Foundation’s Lost Screen Memorial will be on display at the fest.
“Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them,” Prince Harry and Meghan said in a joint statement. “We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
Project Healthy Minds founder and CEO Phillip Schermer called it a “privilege” to be able to honor the couple. They previously participated in the organization’s World Mental Health Day Festival on Oct. 10, 2023. “Their leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to advancing mental health awareness have made a profound difference in the lives of so many,” he added. “We are deeply grateful for their philanthropy and advocacy for a cause that is at the very heart of our mission.”
Carson Daly, Meghan, Prince Harry and Dr. Vivek H. Murthy speak at the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age during Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival at New York’s Hudson Yards on Oct. 10, 2023.
(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)
Prince Harry and Meghan co-founded the Archewell Foundation in 2020. As part of a mission to “show up and do good,” they launched the Parents’ Network for families and caregivers that have experienced the loss of a child due to online harms. Since its launch, the network has expanded across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., demonstrating the powerful impact of community-driven healing and support.
More information on the World Mental Health Day Festival is here. The event supports the nonprofit’s mission to connect over 10 million Americans with mental health services through its free digital marketplace over the next 10 years. Deepak Chopra, Boardroom co-founder Rich Kleiman, author Jonathan Haidt, Katie Couric, parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, parent activists and more are expected to attend this year.
