Bill Lawrence will receive the 2026 Project Healthy Minds Storyteller of the Year Award. The TV creator will be honored at Project Healthy Minds’ annual World Mental Health Day Gala on Oct. 8 at New York’s Spring Studios.
Lawrence currently serves as an executive producer on numerous TV series including “Shrinking,” “Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs,” “Rooster” and “Bad Monkey.” Previously, he created and executive produced the 2000s hit “Scrubs” and co-produced “Cougar Town,” “The Ground Floor,” “Spin City” and “Clone High.”
Through his acclaimed body of work, Lawrence has always made it a priority to tell human stories exploring mental health with “nuance and authenticity.”
“As a creator, I hope my work makes people feel seen and makes them feel a little less alone. I’ve been fortunate to work with people who lead with honesty, vulnerability, and humor,” Lawrence said. “If the world and characters we built together can somehow advance the conversation around mental health, it means everything. We’re so grateful to have been recognized by Project Healthy Minds. They’ve built a powerful movement to make these conversations more open, more authentic, and more human.”
Phil Shermer, CEO and founder of Project Healthy Minds, added: “Bill Lawrence has done what only the rarest of storytellers can: He has made millions of people feel less alone without ever making them feel unimportant. From “Ted Lasso” to “Shrinking,” his characters give viewers permission to talk about therapy, anxiety, grief, and the daily grind of being human, which is why he’s 2026’s Project Healthy. Mind Storyteller of the Year, not only because his show is about mental health, but because it changed the way an entire generation talks about mental health. ”
Michael D. Ratner, founder and CEO of OBB, CEO of Fanatics Studios, and co-founder and co-executive chairman of rhode, will introduce Lawrence’s award. Mr. Ratner is also a member of the Project Healthy Minds advisory board.
Fashion designer Naeem Khan was also appointed as the gala’s art curator. In the role, Khan will “devise an immersive experience that presents a personal commentary on mental health.”
“I am honored to serve as the artistic curator for Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala. I have always believed that fashion is a powerful form of expression that evokes emotion, evokes connection, and brings joy to people,” said Khan. “Being able to share that storytelling in support of such an important mission is incredibly meaningful. We look forward to creating brilliant artistic experiences that celebrate and inspire people to find joy in the world.”
Project Healthy Minds is the nation’s leading mental health nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to mental health services across the United States. Click here for more information.
