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Lights of Hope Event to include film screening of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect"

Sunday, Sept. 29, Eddy County Community Cares will host it’s fifth annual Lights of Hope. The event begins with a film screening of “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” at the Rockford Theatre at 5 p.m. Following the film at around 6:30 p.m. will be the annual memorial walk to the football field for a small memorial. Everyone is welcome to join the event, whether you have lost someone due to suicide, struggle with suicidal ideation or want to do more to create awareness about the issue.

This film, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” is part of a global mission to help reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. The film’s website says, “Through sharing stories of survival and recovery we are creating significant awareness of this health crisis, while helping people find the support they need to stay alive.”

The film highlights the journey of Kevin Hines. Today Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery and wellness.

At age 19, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He shares his personal journey and the ripple effect it has on those who have been impacted by his suicide attempt and his life's work since. The film highlights the stories of individuals and families who are utilizing their personal tragedy to bring hope and healing to others.

In the United States alone, there are one million suicide attempts and over 40,000 deaths by suicide every year. Research has shown that for every one suicide death, over 115 people are directly and secondarily effected. Suicide, as a global public health crisis, is not receiving the attention it deserves. Millions continue to die and the ripple effects of these deaths continue to devastate parents, children, families, friends and communities. This film shines a light on the reality of this ongoing crisis. Its purpose is to unite people and ignite change, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world.

This film offers a very hopeful, intriguing, and yet entertainment-focused approach that notes the work being done by individuals who have been directly impacted by suicide. Work that raises eyebrows and pushes people toward giving back to their communities. This is the first full length feature documentary film focused on Kevin’s story, which is very dramatic and miraculous.

Kevin Hines continues to stay honest about his ongoing struggle. This is a Twitter entry from September 15, just a few days ago: @KevinHinesStory I still have every symptom of my disease, bipolar II with psychotic features BUT I use tools that help me manage them every day. Breathing & grounding techniques, talking to my loved ones and recognizing that today is not tomorrow. I got this and so do YOU! #beheretomorrow