Morris Stigma Free: "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" -- Film and Discussion Feb. 18

Published on February 01, 2020

Q&A and Discussion at Feb. 18 Event in Madison

A special public event focusing on suicide, including presentation of the documentary film "Suicide, the Ripple Effect," will be held on Feb. 18 at Drew University in Madison.

You do not have to be a university student to attend the event, which is free and open to the general public. It will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Drew University's Ehinger Center, 36 Madison Avenue in Madison.

The film, which is appropriate for ages 10 and up, focuses on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple that effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope that are creating to help millions heal and stay alive. It will be followed by a question and answer session and discussion.

The feature-length film chronicles the story of Kevin Hines, who at 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.

(PNG, 37KB)The event is sponsored by a trio of Drew University Civic Scholars, Brittany Boetticher, Katie Cashin and Hannah Winter, and is a continuation of Boetticher's Girl Scout Gold Award program, when she organized events to show the film in Jefferson Township.

It is part of the countywide Morris County Stigma-Free initiative which 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.

For Feb. 18 event parking and directions, visit drew.edu/maps. For more information about the Feb. 18 event, email bboetticher@drew.edu. Download the flyer here: STRE Flyer(PDF, 319KB).