New Hope Makes Significant Contribution to Aid in Suicide Prevention
Rock Hill, S.C., January 5, 2024 – New Hope Treatment Centers proudly helped sponsor an upcoming film centered around suicide prevention at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Led by filmmaker, speaker, co-producer and suicide survivor Kevin Hines, THE NET documents nearly a century long journey. As of January 1, 2024, the Golden Gate Bridge now has a continuous physical suicide barrier installed the full length of the 1.7-mile span. The suicide deterrent system, also known as the net, has been installed on the east and west sides of approximately 95% of the Bridge. THE NET has been completed as of January 5, 2024 and will be released in the coming weeks.
“We did it”, said Hines. “Huge thanks and congrats to all involved in making this incredible change for good. Suicide deterrents are proven to save lives across the globe. Sadly, it won’t stop everyone, but it’s already reduced the annual suicide rate off the Golden Gate Bridge by over half. Our film, THE NET, about this near century long effort to stop suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge will be finished and coming out shortly, stay tuned.”
Over the last 20 years, on average, there have been 30 confirmed suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge every year. In 2023, while the net was still under construction, there were 14 confirmed suicides, reducing the average number of suicides by more than half. Hines was one of those survivors, long before the net was installed. His new lease on life reshaped who he is today and how he lives, sharing his powerful message as an advocate for suicide prevention. In August of 2022, Kevin came to New Hope to share his incredible story.
“I first met Kevin over 12 years ago when he spoke to the kids at one of my programs,” said COO Matt Simon, MA, LMFT. “He visited New Hope last year and brought the house down. His story of near tragedy and eventual triumph is an absolute inspiration. When New Hope had the opportunity to support Kevin’s latest film, we didn’t hesitate. At New Hope, we aren’t just a behavioral health provider; we are a group of human beings who genuinely and passionately care about issues of mental health. Which is why we will always use our resources to help amplify voices and stories around the issues we care about. We can’t wait to see THE NET and we hope you all check it out, too.”
