Empowering Youth: A Message of Hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

In a powerful display of resilience and hope, Berks County middle and high school students were treated to an unforgettable experience on Tuesday, Sept. 10. As part of their ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health awareness and support, these students had the privilege of hearing from Kevin Hines, a nationally recognized speaker and author who has become synonymous with a message of wellness, resilience, and the power of human connection.

Hines' personal story is one that few can relate to. Having attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in 1986, he was one of only 36 people to survive this tragic feat. What makes his tale even more remarkable is his journey toward healing and recovery, which has since become a beacon of hope for countless individuals worldwide.

As students gathered at the Miller Center for the Arts on the Reading Area Community College campus (4 N. 2nd St., Reading), they were not just witnesses to Hines' courageous story; they were also part of a larger community effort to raise awareness about mental health and its crucial importance in our lives.

A Beacon of Hope in Berks County

This event, which coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day, was hosted by a coalition of organizations that share a common goal: ensuring the well-being of the youth in Berks County. These organizations include the Office of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) Program, Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc., and the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU).

Dr. Sara George, Assistant Director for Student Services and K-12 Education at BCIU, played a key role in organizing this event. Her statement underscores the importance of mental health awareness.