After surviving a desperate attempt on his own life, Kevin Hines now lives to help others do the same.
Hines is a mental health advocate, award-winning global speaker, bestselling author and documentary filmmaker “who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live,” and he’s bringing his message to Williamsport.
The speaker will tell his story at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., according to a press release from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, at the age of 19, Hines attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only 34 people to survive the fall.
“The fall would break his body, but not his spirit,” the press release said. “Today, Kevin dedicates his life to saving lives by spreading the message of hope and sharing his art of living mentally well.”
As a gift to the community, the Doherty/Kelley families are honoring their father, Douglas Doherty, with this free event for the public, the release said.
There will be mental health resources available throughout the Community Arts Center to highlight the importance of mental health awareness, according to the press release.
NAMI North Central Pa. works to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.
