Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Kevin Hines attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hines’ story will provide the keynote presentation at the 3rd Annual Frank B. Koller Biennial Mental Health Summit at the Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua on Friday, May 4.

Hosted by Ascension Koller Behavioral Health with support from the Howard Young Foundation Koller Behavioral Health Fund, “Cracked Not Broken…Surviving and Thriving after a Suicide Attempt,” will open the day long program on mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.

Hines is one of only 34 people to survive the fall and is the only Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor who is actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy around the globe. He is a mental health advocate, award-winning global speaker, bestselling author and documentary filmmaker who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and strong will to live.

“We are excited to bring Kevin and his amazing story of perseverance to this year’s mental health summit,” said Jessica Schiek, Director of Ascension Koller Behavioral health. “He will be a part of an outstanding lineup of speakers who will help attendees better understand mental illness and the best ways to help people recover.”

Schiek says the Biennial Mental Health Summit is designed for anyone interested in mental health advocacy and suicide prevention, including mental health professionals, social workers, teachers, school staff, medical professionals or family members.

Other featured presenters at the 3rd Annual Frank B. Koller Biennial Mental Health Summit include New York based filmmaker Paul Dalio.

Dalio will share his story as a filmmaker with bipolar disorder and his experience navigating the health care center. Kevin and Margaret Hines will share their journey of travels around the world meeting attempt and loss survivors who are all now part of a global network of advocates who share their stories to save lives.  The agenda will conclude with an informal discussion moderated by Hines with Margaret Hines and Dalio. Prior to the event, Hines will also hold a presentation for students in the Northland Pines School District.

Cost to attend the 3rd Annual Frank B. Koller Biennial Mental Health Summit is $90. It is offered free of charge to Ascension associates through the Howard Young Foundation Koller Behavioral Health Fund. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the agenda running from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, please contact Ascension NurseDirect at 800-362-9900 or online at https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/register/222/page1.asp?m=256&c=12205

(Contributed photo)