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Kevin Hines Survivor, Storyteller, and Filmmaker
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 own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is now one of only 36 people who’ve survived that 220-foot jump. Kevin's story is now the only evidence-based story of a suicide attempt survived.
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 will come to fruition by 2023 when the net will be complete.