The Kevin Hines Story: Transforming Crisis into Resilience, Hope, and Advocacy for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a major public health issue among working-age adults. It was the second leading cause of death for adults ages 25–44 in 2023, and an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide in 2024. Among college and university faculty and staff, 5% reported suicidal ideation in the previous year, according to the Healthy Minds Faculty and Staff Survey. A 2023 study published in JAMA found that health care support workers had a 32% elevated overall risk of suicide.
Suicide survivor, mental health advocate, global speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning filmmaker Kevin Hines will share his inspiring story of hope, survival, celebration of life, and the lessons he has learned about resilience, recovery, and the life-saving power of human connection. Click the image or here to watch a special invitation from Kevin to the UVA community.
Note: This webinar discusses suicide prevention and mental health topics that may be difficult for some participants. Eligible employees and family members are encouraged to reach out to FEAP for support and guidance. Others in the community can access free and confidential support by calling or texting 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor.
UVA is committed to suicide prevention, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, and removing barriers to support. By encouraging awareness, connection, and open conversations about mental health and well-being, FEAP, Hoos Well, and partners across Grounds are helping create a thriving community and culture of psychological safety. Together, we can make a meaningful difference—and help save lives!
Through this interactive virtual presentation, part of Hoos Well and UVA FEAP's Thrive Together webinar series, participants will be able to:
- Increase personal empowerment to embrace brain health and normalize conversations around mental health.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, as well as suicidal ideation and planning.
- Identify and counter myths and misconceptions about mental illness and suicide.
- Explore how to better support one another, prioritize mental health, and create a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of courage and strength.
About Your Presenter
Kevin Hines’ story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for us to love the life we have. Kevin is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author and an award-winning global suicide prevention and mental health, advocate. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19, he attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is now one of only 40 people who’ve survived that 220-foot jump.
Though that fall would break his body, it did not break his spirit. Since that fateful day, Kevin has dedicated his life to spreading a message of hope and openly discussing mental health, often times becoming a bridge between people who have made similar attempts and their parents, siblings, children, spouses and friends.
Kevin released a memoir, Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt, in 2013 that went on to become a bestseller and produced the 2018 multi-award-winning documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect. His compelling story has impacted diverse audiences at schools, corporations, law enforcement organizations, religious groups, the military, health care organizations and more. He has been told by thousands of people that his story helped saved their lives and he never takes that for granted.
In 2016, Mental Health America awarded him its highest honor, the Clifford W. Beers Award, for his efforts to improve the lives of, and attitudes toward, people with mental illnesses. He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council for Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly, and he was named a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded him more than 70 military excellence medals as a civilian.
Kevin currently resides on the east coast with his wife, Margaret, but visits San Francisco often where he’s been working toward the creation of a safety net for the Golden Gate Bridge .Thousands of people have attempted suicide from the bridge since Kevin survived. Kevin’s fervent pursuit acme to fruition with the net being completed on January 1, 2024. The Golden Gate Bridge now has a continuous physical suicide barrier installed the full length of the 1.7-mile span.
