As the holidays approach, many individuals find it difficult to celebrate because they have lost a loved one to suicide or may be struggling with suicidal thoughts themselves. In an effort to help those who are hurting know they are not alone, the ADAMH Board, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Marion and Crawford Counties (NAMI), Community Counseling Services (CCS), and the Crawford County Suicide Prevention Coalition are sponsoring two free showings of the inspiring documentary film “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” in Crawford County this month. The first will be on November 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Rooms A/B of the Bucyrus Public Library, 200 East Mansfield Street. The second will be held on November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room on the lower level of the Galion Public Library, 123 North Market Street.
The story is about Kevin Hines, who on September 25, 2000, at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Today he is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery and wellness. The movie is a feature length documentary that chronicles Kevin’s personal journey through mental health struggles and demonstrates the ripple effect that his suicide attempt and subsequent life’s work have had on hundreds of thousands worldwide. In addition, the film highlights the stories of several individuals and families who are using their personal tragedy to help and inspire others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017 suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 47,000 people. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and there were more than twice as many suicides in the United States as there were homicides. Between 1999 and 2016 the suicide rate rose more than 30% in half of our states, including Ohio.
Following the film local representatives will be available to answer questions and share information on the warning signs of suicide, as well as local and national resources available to those who may be at risk.
For more information about the movie screenings, please call the local NAMI office at (740) 375-0796.