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Fort Lewis College WellPAC presents survivor and activist for hope Kevin Hines
Kevin Hines, suicide survivor and author of “Cracked, Not Broken,” will share his story and how he learned to overcome mental illness at 6:30 p.m. on March 19th at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The event is free for all community members, but seating is limited. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Because suicide is a complicated topic, we ask that parents use their discretion in their decision to bring children.
“I was lucky enough to hear Kevin speak last year, and it was incredibly impactful,” says Veronica Krupnick, recent FLC graduate and former Wellness Peer Advisory Council (WellPAC) president. “I believe that Kevin speaks our community’s language. One of his main messages – ‘it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay not to ask for help,’ is powerful and life changing.”
Hines is among the one percent of known survivors who have attempted suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he learned how to live with the illness and became an activist for mental health. Today, Kevin dedicates his life to saving lives by spreading the message of hope and sharing his art of living mentally well. He is one of the most respected and admired voices of lived experience. Kevin’s story is a remarkable testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for us to love the life we have. For more information on Kevin’s story, please visit www.kevinhinesstory.com.
“It is no secret that La Plata County has one of the highest suicide rates in our state and the nation,” states Kendra Gallegos Reichle, FLC Student Wellness Coordinator. “A key preventive measure against suicide is creating a community that is open about mental health, suicide and supporting each other. We want to focus on instilling HOPE in our community.”
Fort Lewis College’s Wellness Peer Advisory Council is so thankful for the sponsors who have made this presentation possible, including: La Plata County 4H & the CODY Project, San Juan Basin Public Health, Alpine Bank, Fort Lewis College Department of Arts & Sciences, Axis Health Systems, 5280 Drywall & Repairs, the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County, the Strater Hotel, Fort Lewis College Community Relations, and all the individual donors who have contributed to this cause.
For more information on this event and supplemental programming, please visit www.fortlewis.edu/kevinhines or contact Kendra at 970-247-7508.