A movie about the “ripple effects” of suicide was shown Tuesday at the VA Butler Healthcare Center.

About 23 people attended the showing of “Suicide — the Ripple Effect,” a movie about Kevin Hines, who at age 19 jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Ashley Jordan of Butler attended the showing as a student.

“I'm a social work and psychology student at Butler County Community College, and I want to specialize in mental health,” Jordan said.

Jordan said the movie brought to the surface a lot of thoughts and feelings associated with suicide through Hines' explanation behind his actions.

“It was very emotional. I teared up a couple times,” she said. “I feel like this video should be shown a lot more.”

Jordan said the movie gives an important perspective of someone struggling with thoughts of suicide.

“Just so they know there are people out there that care,” Jordan said. “There are places for them to reach out.”

Pete Albert, suicide prevention coordinator, said suicide prevention is VA Butler Healthcare's No. 1 priority.

Albert said about six or seven of the 23 viewers were veterans.

“We hear it all the time, but we don't see the other side,” he said.

Albert said Hines touches on the crisis of veterans who die by suicide.

In September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs produced its 2019 National Suicide Prevention annual report.

The report states that in 2017 the suicide rate for veterans was 1.5 times the rate for non-veterans, after adjusting for population differences in age and sex.

The report also continues to see the trend that more than 20 veterans die by suicide each day.

Among veterans and students, health care providers and VA staff member also saw the movie. Albert said this could help them provide better care for their patients.

“Hopefully, the providers will go home and come back with a different perspective with their patients tomorrow,” Albert said.

Albert said VA Butler Healthcare has purchased the rights to show the movie in a community setting, and he would be willing to work with anyone who wants to sponsor a showing.