The magnitude of practicing kindness to all those with whom you interact and the power of the words you speak aren’t always measurable.However, in the case of Kevin Hines, award-winning global speaker, bestselling author and attempted suicide survivor—kindness from a stranger would have made a world of difference.

“Kevin’s is an extraordinary story,” stated Michelle Valinski, behavioral health program director, Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention. “On his walk to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco from where he planned to jump in an attempt to take his own life, he made a pact with himself. If just one person were to ask him if he was okay, he would abandon his plan. Kevin encountered many people on his journey that day, however, no one intervened. Kevin jumped.”

On Go Orange Day slated for October 20 across Wayne County, Hines will present “Cracked, Not Broken” at Honesdale High School Gymnasium from 7 pm to 8 pm. where he will recount the details of his physical and emotional healing following an unlikely survival and his own determination to live.At age 19, two years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Hines took his fateful walk to the bridge.Nearly 2000 people have leapt from the Golden Gate Bridge since it was erected in 1937.Hines is one of only 36 people to survive a fall and the only one actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy. His presentation is rooted in hope and recovery while emphasizing the impact any one can make by showing kindness, the power of words and having the courage to use them.

The community is invited to attend “Cracked, Not Broken” free of charge.The program is not recommended for children under the age of 12.Sponsorship for the program is provided by Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention; Community Care Behavioral Health Organization; Wayne County System of Care, The Honesdale National Bank, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative, The Dime Bank and NAMI Scranton.Autographed copies of Hines’ book, Cracked Not Broken. Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt, will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the Wayne/Pike Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative.

The county-wide observance of Go Orange Day, now in its fourth year, was brought to the community following the introduction of Rachel’s Challenge, a national program designed to inspire kind acts and acceptance of others. Hines’ presentation will serve as a culmination of the efforts of community members, schools, local business and government to date to keep this message of hope alive.

“On October 20th, we’re hoping to see a sea of orange symbolizing kindness to one another,” said Donna Decker, RN, community health manager, Wayne Memorial Hospital, and a founding committee member of the initiative which brought Rachel’s Challenge to our area. “We need those in our community to observe someone with that troubled look on his or her face and simply ask, ‘What I can do for you today?’”

For more information regarding the program on October 20^th, please contact Michelle Valinski at 570-253-9200 or mvalinski@waynecountypa.gov.Information about Rachel’s Challenge, can be found by visiting www.rachelschallenge.org.

Photo:Kevin Hines, presenter of “Cracked, Not Broken” to be held October 20^th at the Honesdale High School Gymnasium beginning at 7 p.m.