Award-winning speaker and best-selling author Kevin Hines will be visiting the New River Valley this September in support of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Hines, who survived a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge, will share his story during a public event at New River Community College in Dublin on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM.

Award-winning speaker to talk mental health at NRCC and local schools this fall

To recognize September as Suicide Awareness Prevention Month, the Community Wellness and Outreach team at New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) is excited to welcome Kevin Hines, a best-selling author, global public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker to our area.

Hines will speak at New River Community College (NRCC) in Dublin as part of a free event open to the public on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM. During his visit to the area, Hines will also be speaking to schools in both Montgomery and Pulaski counties.

Hines attempted to take his own life in the year 2000 by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival, including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Hines now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience. His motto: #BeHereTomorrow and every day after that.

In 2016, Mental Health America recognized Hines their highest honor, The Clifford W. Beers Award, for his efforts to improve the lives of and attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. Previously, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council of Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly. Hines has also been awarded by SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, an Achievement Winner by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has received over 30 U.S. military excellence medals as a civilian.

“Kevin is an excellent public speaker who is able to immediately connect with audiences of youth and adults. Kevin is honest, courageous and not shy to challenge members of the audience to become allies of people living with mental illness. He has an uncanny ability to speak both to people who profoundly understand mental illness (because they are living with it or love someone who does) and to people who know very little about mental illness. I believe, with my whole heart, that Kevin’s message saves lives.”

Wende Nichols-Julien – J.D, Executive Director / The California Conference for Equality & Justice

The free event at New River Community College will be held in Edwards Hall on the Dublin campus, beginning at 7:00 PM. Seating, however will be limited, so be sure to register here (or scan the QR code provided below). There will be several community partner agencies at the event offering free resources and information. Kevin’s merchandise will also be available to purchase at the event.