HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week next month, Horizons Mental Health Center, the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation and United Way of Reno County will present “Breaking Barriers, Restoring Hope,” a special workshop featuring national speaker Kevin Hines.

Hines spoke with Hutch Post about his attempted suicide. After hearing his story, his survival could be considered a miracle. He jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and was rescued with the help of a sea lion who helped keep him afloat. He was then taken to shore by the Coast Guard, then to a hospital where he was operated on by a doctor who had been scheduled to be gone, but was there.

He says he was diagnosed as being bipolar and says he heard voices saying he needed to die. Well he didn’t and is now a national speaker and even has a book and video entitled, “Cracked but not broken.”

On September 11, professionals and community members from across the state will have the opportunity to hear from this and other national and local speakers about suicide prevention and mental wellness.

The event is on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center. The cost is $45. You can register online on the Horizon’s website at hmhc.com.