Guardian of the Bridge to Talk Suicide Prevention

 

RIVERSIDE — Kevin Briggs, a retired California Highway Patrol sergeant, is known as the Guardian of the Bridge, for dissuading hundreds of people from jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge during his career.

Since it was erected in 1937, nearly 1,700 suicidal people have leapt to their death from the landmark, including 14 in 2018, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Briggs will be the keynote speaker Monday, April 22 at 9 a.m. during Send Silence Packing, an emotionally powerful exhibit that increases awareness about suicide prevention and provides resources for help. Send Silence Packing is a free national exhibition that raises awareness about suicide prevention on college and university campuses.

The event is open to the public and will be held on the downtown Riverside pedestrian mall at 3700 Main St., Riverside Ca.  For more information click here or call 951-955-3448.

Briggs will be joined by Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington and representatives from local and regional mental and public health agencies, civic stakeholders and guests. The Guardian of the Bridge will share his experiences while patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge and his personal story of physical and mental health challenges.

Supervisor Washington will announce plans for a countywide suicide prevention task force.

Suicides in the U.S. rose by 33 percent from 1999 to 2017. For people under 35, it trails only “unintentional injury” as the leading cause of death. On an average day, 129 people across the country take their own lives, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Speakers are set to begin at 9 a.m. on April 22, with exhibit and resources onsite throughout the morning.

Hines, now in his 30s, survived a suicide attempt after jumping 220 feet from the Golden Gate Bridge into the bay below in September 2000. He petitioned Netflix to consider placing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255 at the end of every season of “13 Reasons Why.” That, he said, would be ideal. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.

This conversation with the Guardian of the Bridge about suicide prevention and hope is sponsored by Riverside University Health System—Behavioral Health. The event is free and open to the public.