Later this month, community health groups plan to show a film about a popular figure in the movement against suicide in the hope that his story can save local lives.

“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” will screen for free at 11:30 a.m. May 21 in the Nixon-Sarver Classroom at Butler Memorial Hospital. Lunch will be provided. Those planning to attend should make reservations by emailing jenna.rhodaberger@butlerhealthsystem.org.

The film tells the life story of Kevin Hines, a public speaker who talks about his own experience trying to commit suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19. On his way down, he felt regret and was lucky enough to live through the fall.

Jackie Eppler, a counseling director at Grace Community Church and associate of the Butler County Suicide Coalition, said she previously saw Hines speak and believes his story can be powerful for struggling people.

“People are drawn to his story and drawn to what he’s doing,” Eppler said. “He’s still living with mental illness. He still has struggles. But he’s alive. He has tomorrow.”

The screening is a partnership between the suicide coalition, Butler VA Healthcare and Butler Health System.

The VA bought the rights to show the film and plans to hold more screenings throughout the area served by its clinics.

Anyone with a venue who is interested in screening it can reach out to the suicide coalition to make arrangements.

For the past five years, coroner reports show that Butler County has suffered an average of 24 confirmed deaths by suicide per year. That number may be lower than actual figures, according to the coalition, as not all suicides can be properly logged as such. Situations such as overdose deaths can create a gray area in which the victim’s intentions were not clear.

The film previously played at cinemas at Moraine Pointe in April of last year. That showing was hosted by iRise Leadership Institute.

Those struggling with suicidal thoughts aren’t alone or without help.

Locally, the Butler County crisis line can be reached at 800-292-3866. The National Suicide Prevention Line is at 800-273-8255. Veterans can get help by calling the veteran crisis line at 800-273-8255 and then dialing 1.