Film on suicide to screen at SIU

Centerstone will host a free screening of the film "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at SIU.

"Suicide: The Ripple Effect" shares the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hines is one of only 36 individuals to survive this jump. Seventeen years later, he is on a mission to use his story to help others find hope and stay alive.

The film is part of a global mission to help reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world.

"This film shows my journey to better understand the effects of my suicide attempt on my family, friends and the first responders who saved my life," Hines said.

"My hope is the film will get people talking so those struggling can find ways to connect and heal."

Hines will attend the screening April 10 to introduce the film and meet with event sponsors.

The screening is free to the public, but registration is required.

For further information about the event and to reserve tickets, visit centerstone.org/events/foundation/the-rip ple-effect-carbondale-il.

Centerstone, which has long sought to reduce suicides in its communities through education, outreach and treatment, served as a producer for the film.

Centerstone's presentation of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" has received local support from the Watermark Auto Group Foundation, the Tony Galines Jr. Foundation and Southern Illinois Healthcare. SIUC partnered with Centerstone in presenting the film screening in collaboration with its campus suicide prevention initiative, "Salukis on Your Side."

"Building resilience among our students is a key goal of the 'Salukis on Your Side' campus suicide prevention program," said Beth Morrison, assistant director of SIU Student Health Services.