News Summary
Lander University will host Kevin Hines, a renowned mental health advocate and suicide prevention speaker, at the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Hines, a survivor of a suicide attempt, will share his powerful story that emphasizes the importance of mental wellness. The event is open to the public and aims to foster community discussions around mental health and personal survival stories. Sponsored by Lander’s Wellness Center, it presents a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insights into mental health awareness.
Greenwood, SC
Kevin Hines, a prominent advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, will be the guest speaker at Lander University on August 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The talk will take place in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium and is open to the public, free of charge. Both the Greenwood and Lander communities are invited to attend. This significant event is sponsored by Lander’s Wellness Center and the Office of the Dean of Students.
Hines is well-known for his harrowing survival story after he attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in September 2000. Prior to the attempt, he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was experiencing severe paranoia and hallucinations. Falling 220 feet into the San Francisco Bay, Hines suffered shattered vertebrae and critical damage to his lower organs. Remarkably, witnesses reported that a sea lion helped keep him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived for his rescue.
Following his fall, Hines received treatment at Marin General Hospital, where he underwent an experimental surgery that ultimately saved his life. Despite the severity of his injuries, he healed with minimal physical signs, having just a few scars from the incident. Hines is among the less than 1% of individuals who have survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge since its opening in 1937.
In 2013, Hines published his bestselling memoir, Cracked Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving after a Suicide Attempt, which has inspired thousands of readers. Many individuals have reported that his story played a significant role in saving their lives. Further extending his influence, Hines produced and directed the award-winning film Suicide the Ripple Effect in 2018, which received the Best Story award at the Nice International Film Festival.
Hines has gained recognition for his work in mental health advocacy. He was honored as one of the CNN Champions of Change in 2019 and has received accolades from various organizations, including the National Council of Behavioral Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. His core message emphasizes the strength of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining mental wellness.
For those interested in attending Hines’ presentation, they can contact Lander’s Wellness Center at 864-388-8885 or via email at [email protected] for any questions regarding the event. Additionally, more information can be found about the Here4AReason organization and their upcoming Suicide Prevention 5K scheduled for September 13 at www.here4areasonfoundation.org.
This event presents a crucial opportunity for community members to engage in vital discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and the profound impact of personal stories of survival. Hines’ experiences and advocacy work provide not just hope but actionable insights into living mentally well.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Suicide Prevention Advocate to Speak at Lander
- Wikipedia: Suicide prevention
- Legacy: Kevin Hines Obituary
- Google Search: Kevin Hines suicide prevention
- Index Journal: Be Here Tomorrow Speaker Delivers Message
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental health
- Oaks Hines Funeral Home: Sharon K. Schrodt Obituary
- Google News: Kevin Hines
Author: HERE Greenwood
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