Suicide survivor and mental health advocate Kevin Hines to speak at W.F. West High School on Thursday

Apr. 22—Kevin Hines, a suicide attempt survivor who has gone on to become an advocate for improving mental health, will host a free community presentation at W.F. West High School at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.

The community presentation is sponsored by the Drew North Foundation. The public is invited to attend.

"In 2000, Hines attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only 36 people to survive the fall," the Chehalis School District stated in a news release. "The miracle of his survival inspired him to share his story and attempt to help others who were feeling the same way and to spread a message about how to survive and thrive, even if you struggle with mental health issues."

Hines' story was featured in the 2006 film "The Bridge" by Eric Steel, and Hines has also released a memoir titled "Cracked Not Broken, Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt" and his own documentary titled "Suicide: The Ripple Effect."

He received the Clifford W. Beers Award from Mental Health America in 2016 and has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from National Council of Behavioral Health.

"Hine's visit is thanks to the work of W.F. West senior Abigail Alexander," the Chehalis School District wrote. "Inspired by the loss of classmates in her own school to suicide as well as the mental health toll she saw in her peers during COVID, Alexander approached community members to raise the money needed to put on this important event."

Hines will give a separate presentation to W.F. West High School students during the school day on April 25.

Donors who helped make Hines' visit possible were Drew North, NW Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Scalici, Security State Bank, Bethel Church, Wagner Orthodontics, Mike and Sue Austin, The Eklund Family, The Alexander Family, Chehalis Education Association and WEA Chinook.

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