WHO Stands Up for Mental Health 2025
A benefit for the Columbia-World Health Organization Center for Global Mental Health
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health hosted the WHO Stands Up for Mental Health 2025 at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. The evening combined laughter and purpose, bringing mental health to the forefront through a fabulous stand-up comedy performance, while raising vital funds to support the Center’s global initiatives.
The evening featured an outstanding lineup of New York City’s most talented comedians, including Ashley Austin Morris, Mark Normand, Jourdain Fisher, Caitlin Peluffo, and Usama Siddiquee.
This year, the event also offered ticket sponsorships for community-based mental health workers, global mental health students, and individuals with lived experience.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters—from single ticket holders to Global Ambassador Table sponsors—for making the evening a tremendous success. With over 200 guests, together we raised funds to strengthen mental health research, training, and capacity-building worldwide.
Our sincerest gratitude extends to our International Advisory Board and to our Global Champion, Benefactor, and Ambassador sponsors, whose generous support and commitment were vital in making the event a success.
Anne DeLaney, IAB Chair
Ann Sacher, IAB Vice Chair
Donna Friedman
Stephanie Guyett
Reina Marin
Kathy Matsui
Janet Montag
Kathleen Pike
Mona Sinha
Catherine Wolstencroft
Kirsten Zaffino
We also wish to thank every guest who joined us and helped advance our shared mission. Together, we continue working to improve the identification, assessment, and treatment of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders worldwide. Your involvement reminds us that collective action can drive lasting change in global mental health.