What's New at CBH
Regional Suicide Prevention Conference 2016
The HPR-V Prevention Council, which comprises members of Colonial Behavioral Health's staff, is hosting its first regional prevention conference for behavioral health professionals, military members, educators, law enforcement and members of the community.
The conference is intended to bring together national, state and local experts to raise awareness of community risk factors for suicide and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death and an increasing public health concern on a national level. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health issued a call to action in 2014 for local public behavioral health entities to develop regional and local plans to specifically address suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention: Connections Matter is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at Newport News Marriott at City Center.
Conference Schedule
| 8-9 a.m. | Registration and Vendors | |
| 9-9:15 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks | |
| 9:15-9:45 a.m. | Presenter | |
| 9:45-10 a.m. | Break and Vendors | |
| 10-11:15 a.m. | Keynote Speaker: Kevin Hines | |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | Break and Vendors | |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch and Activity | |
| 1-2:15 p.m. | Breakout Session 1 | |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Break and Vendors | |
| 2:30-3:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 2 | |
| 3:45-4 p.m. | Surveys and Certificates |
Registration is now open, and closes on Wednesday, May 4. No phone or email registrations will be processed, and on-site registrations will not be accepted. Registration costs $25 per person and covers continental breakfast and lunch. The registration fee must be in the form of a check or money order made payable to MPNN CSB and mailed to P.O. Box 452, Hayes, VA 23072. Payments must be received by Wednesday, May 11.
To register, and read more about the conference, click here.
Kevin Hines is an award-winning global speaker, bestselling author, documentary filmmaker, suicide prevention and mental health advocate who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.
He is one of only thirty-four (less than 1%) to survive the fall and he is the only Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor who is actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy around the globe.
He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council of Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly. Kevin has also been awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) as a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, an Achievement Winner by the US Veterans Affairs and received several Marine General’s Medals.
In the summer of 2013, Kevin released his bestselling memoir titled Cracked Not Broken, Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt. He is currently producing a documentary entitle "Suicide: The Ripple Effect."
Kevin’s will to live and stay mentally well has inspired people worldwide. His compelling story has touched diverse, global audiences within colleges and universities, high schools, corporations, clergy, military, clinicians, health and medical communities, law enforcement organizations, and various conferences. Thousands have communicated to Hines that his story helped save their lives.
His story was featured in the 2006 film “The Bridge” by the film director and producer Eric Steel. Thousands of people have reached out to him expressing thanks for his message of hope.
Kevin believes in the power of the human spirit and in the fact that you can find the ability to live mentally well. His mantra: “Life is a gift, that is why they call it the present. Cherish it always.”
This is event is sponsored by the HPR-V Prevention Council in partnership with the HPR-V Regional Suicide Prevention Task Force and funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
