STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Kevin Hines calls the moment he stepped off the Golden Gate Bridge, plunging 22 stories into the San Francisco Bay, the most terrifying and painful experience of his entire life.

“It’s the worst feeling in the world when you’ve lost all hope,” said Hines.

But the aftermath has been quite the opposite

Hines survived, kept afloat by a sea lion until a rescue boat arrived. And, in his attempt to die, he found a reason to live. He’s made it his life’s work to educate people about how to achieve mental health and prevent the suicides of 41,000-plus people each year.

Hines recounts his story in the book “Cracked Not Broken” and the 2006 documentary “The Bridge.”  

And he will share his message, “Hope Helping Heal” from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at the Hailey Town Hall Center.

He will be joined by other speaker from Wood River Fire & Rescue and local Hispanic Liaison teams, and free temporary prevention tattoos will be handed out.

The event is sponsored by the Crisis Hotline and Neighbors Helping Neighbors, along with the city of Hailey. Questions? Call 208-788-0735.