Speaker Series
Kevin Hines and BJC Behavioral Health Discuss Suicide Prevention
A Survivor's Story
Disclaimer: Given the sensitive nature of discussing suicide, viewer discretion is advised and please prepare yourself beforehand. Your participation is voluntary.
Kevin Hines
SURVIVOR • STORYTELLER • FILM MAKER
Kevin Hines’ story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for us to love the life we have. Kevin is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author as well as an award-winning global suicide prevention and mental health advocate. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19, he attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is now one of only 36 people who’ve survived that 220-foot jump. Kevin's story is now the only evidence-based story of a suicide attempt survived.
Though that fall would break his body, it did not break his spirit. Since that fateful day, Kevin has dedicated his life to spreading a message of hope and openly discussing mental health, oftentimes becoming a bridge between people who have made similar attempts and their parents, siblings, children, spouses and friends.
Kevin released a memoir, "Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt," in 2013 that went on to become a bestseller and produced the 2018 multi-award-winning documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect. His compelling story has impacted diverse audiences at schools, corporations, law enforcement organizations, religious groups, the military, health care organizations and more. He has been told by thousands of people that his story helped saved their lives and he never takes that for granted.
For more, please visit www.kevinhinesstory.com.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, BJC Behavioral Health along with Kevin Hines will present a virtual Suicide Prevention, Health and Wellness workshop. Kevin will tell his story of being one of only a few survivors of a suicide attempt. Kevin attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000. We plan to present his amazing story of survival, perseverance, and stamina to BJC employees, consumers, and the community.
Wednesday, September 28
11:00am - 12:00pm
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Thursday, September 29
11:00am - 12:00pm
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Suicide Statistics
Individual Impact
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
Community Impact
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- 45% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students experience serious thoughts of suicide
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
