Morris Stigma-Free Film Event: Suicide, the Ripple Effect Saturday in Jefferson

Published on September 25, 2019

Free Showing of the Film Plus a Q&A

An encore presentation of the documentary film "Suicide, the Ripple Effect," will be shown this Saturday, Sept. 28, at Jefferson Township High School (10 Weldon Road). The film focuses on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple that effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope that are helping millions heal and stay alive. It will be followed by a question and answer session and discussion.

The feature-length (JPG, 1MB)film chronicles the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Since then, Kevin has been on a mission to use his story to help others stay alive and find recovery.

The event is sponsored by JTMAC, the Jefferson Township Municipal Alliance Committee, JT Connect, Project Speak Out!, and Jefferson Township Falcons Student Council.

In 2009, after Jefferson Township suffered the loss of several people by suicide, it became clear that there was an immediate need to raise awareness about mental illness, provide education to the community and, most importantly, connect people through support and resources.

The countywide Morris County Stigma-Free initiative is focused on removing the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse, to foster a climate of healing and recovery.

The primary reason people fail to seek the help they need is due to the stigma associated with the disease of mental illness. Main reasons cited are shame and fear of judgment from friends, family and co-workers. Such judgment is often rooted in a lack of knowledge or training.

Morris County is committed to disseminating information and fostering a stigma-free environment where people are free from judgment and can get the help they need to recover from diseases such as mental illness and substance abuse.