From Connersville News Examiner –
RICHMOND, Ind. – Kevin Hines, who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in an attempt to take his life, is the featured speaker at the Meridian Community Health Speaker Series. The event, hosted by Meridian Health Services, will be held on Wednesday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn located at 6000 National Road East, Richmond, IN 47374.
Kevin Hines, along with experts on mental health and community stakeholders will comprise a discussion panel following Hines’ personal story. Speaker Series is free to attend and includes a complimentary lunch. Reservations are necessary and may be made at MeridianHS.org/Speaker-Series. Registration deadline is September 20.
“Mental health is an important topic of discussion as suicide rates among all ages continue to rise across the country,” shared Lisa Suttle, Vice President of Clinical Services at Meridian Health Services. “We are happy to bring Kevin Hines to Richmond to share his personal story of survival and discuss this topic with community and industry leaders so that we can help those in our community who are struggling.”
Kevin Hines is an award-winning brain/mental and suicide prevention activist, entrepreneur, multiple award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author, international educator and speaker who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only thirty-four to survive the fall, and the only one to regain full physical mobility. The fall would break his body, but not his spirit.
Today, Kevin dedicates his life to saving lives and encouraging others to seek help and spread empathy by spreading the message of hope and sharing his story. He is one of the most respected and admired voices of lived experience. Kevin’s story is a remarkable testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for all of us to love the life we have.
A discussion panel of community leaders and officials will follow Hines’ presentation to engage the audience on issues surrounding mental health and ideas for local solutions. Panelists include Mayor Dave Snow, City of Richmond; Randy Retter, Wayne County Sheriff; Doug Hemmerling, LCSW, Therapist at Meridian Health Services; Dr. Curtis Wright, Superintendent of Richmond Community Schools; and Lisa Suttle, RN-BC, MS, Regional VP of Clinical Services at Meridian Health Services. Discussion will be moderated by Rick Duncan, Radio Personality at G101.3 FM Radio.
Meridian Community Health Speaker Series brings together community leaders, professionals, educators, and the general public to discuss and identify issues surrounding community health. This event began in 2018 and is hosted in Richmond, Muncie, and Lafayette. Previous guest speakers include Sam Quinones, Dreamland author, Ryan Leaf, former NFL quarterback, and Chris Herren, former NBA player.
The Richmond Community Health Speaker Series is sponsored by G101.3 FM Radio, Centerstone, Pal-Item, Kicks96, 101.7 The Point, Wayne County Health Department, and Richmond Community Schools.
Learn more about the Meridian Community Health Speaker Series and reserve your spot at MeridianHS.org.
