Author Kevin Hines, who survived a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and now represents Mental Health First Aid for Youth, will talk at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 12 in the Satellite Student Union at Fresno State.

The free, public event is sponsored by University Health and Psychological Services.

Hines was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 17. Two years later, on Sept. 25, 2000, the 19-year-old jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in an attempt to end his life. Of an estimated 2,000 attempts, he is one of 34 who have survived a jump from the bridge.

Hines now travels to share his experience living with a mental illness and how he has learned to embrace living mentally well.

“This event will without a doubt be incredibly powerful to all who attend,” said Melissa Watkins, coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Program.

A resource fair highlighting campus and community resources will be available before and after Hines’ talk.

A 10-12 minute highlight film from Hines’ talk will be created, Watkins said.

The Suicide Prevention Program is administered by California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and funded by the voter approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63). CalMHSA, an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities, operates services and education programs on a statewide, regional and local basis.

For more information or disability-related accommodations and wheelchair access
information, contact Watkins at 559.278.1023 or melissaw@csufresno.edu.

Public parking: The closest lots to the SSU are Lot 15 (formerly P) at Barstow and Maple avenues or Lot 6 (formerly J) on Woodrow (access from Barstow or Shaw avenues). Parking is $3 for a day permit from dispensers at the campus police department on Barstow or in Lot 6 (see map).

(University Communications news assistant Juana Mosqueda contributed to this report).

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