12:45-1:15 PM – Check In
Visit local resource tables
1:15 PM - Welcome & Introductions
Barb Smith, Executive Director of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network
1:20 PM - 92 MINUTES: THE POWER OF LISTENING
Kevin Briggs (Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge) and Kevin Berthia (survivor of a near-fatal suicide attempt) share their lived experience
2:15 PM - Refreshment Break
2:30 PM - 92 MINUTES: THE POWER OF LISTENING with Q & A
3:30-3:40 PM - MMR Fundraising Check Presentation with Melissa Dudarski
3:40-4:00 PM - Yellow Rose Ceremony and Closing
Fire Chief Gregory Flynn joins us for a Yellow Rose Ceremony
Our guest speakers Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia are traveling from California. The duo will share their lived experiences leaving participants with a better understanding of the "why" of suicide.
Kevin Briggs was the Guardian (police officer) of the Golden Gate Bridge who helped move people from a place of hopelessness to a place of safety. Kevin’s quote, “sometimes the longest journey we can take is just 18 inches...from our head to our heart.” Kevin Berthia is a young man who survived a near suicide attempt. Kevin Briggs spent 92 minutes talking to Berthia as he stood on the ledge of the bridge. Berthia will share his perspective from a person who struggles with thoughts of suicide.