FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 17, 2015) -- Two years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Kevin Hines jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge.
"Freefall, he said, 'God, please save me. I don't want to die.' And he didn't die," Traci Dunlap, ASAP suicide prevention program manager, said.
Less than 1 percent of those who have jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge survive, according to Hines' website, and the author of "Cracked Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt" now uses his miraculous experience to spread his message of mental health awareness across the globe.
Dunlap said she hopes the unique perspective Hines provides will motivate more people to utilize the mental health tools provided by the Army.
"The Army has a lot of tools available," she said. "We just need to make sure everyone utilizes them."
Hines comes to Fort Rucker's post theater for a two-day engagement July 21-22. Each day features two sessions, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
"I think this presentation will provide a unique point of view," Dunlap said. "If you come across an individual who is struggling, then you can better understand their struggle. I think when we see someone struggling, we try to see it from their point of view, but we don't always understand. The most important thing to do is respect where they are. Even if you can't fully understand where they are coming from, you should at least respect how they feel and focus on getting them help.
"It is very important to be aware that someone could connect to you for whatever reason and you become their 'somebody,'" she added. "You might not think you are qualified to be their somebody, but you are."
According to his website, Hines was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for his outstanding work as a suicide prevention advocate and speaker by the National Council of Behavioral Health. He has also been recognized by SAMHSA as a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, an Achievement Winner by the Veterans Affairs, and he has received a Three Star Marine General's Medal Award in addition to his numerous other accolades.
Hines' will to live and stay mentally well has inspired people worldwide. His compelling story has touched diverse, global audiences with university campuses, high schools, corporations, clergy, military, clinicians, health and medical communities, law enforcement organizations and various conferences, according to his website.
Hines released "Cracked Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt" in 2013. His story was featured in the film "The Bridge."
For more information or to register for one of the four sessions, call 255-7916.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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