A Time For Hope & Healing with Kevin Briggs

Yesterday marked our Third Annual A Time For Hope & Healing Luncheon! This year we were honored to welcome retired Sergeant from the California Highway Patrol, Kevin Briggs. Sergeant Briggs is also an Army Veteran, cancer survivor, survivor of suicide loss, as well as one of the millions of Americans who have experienced depression.

During Sgt. Briggs’ time with CHP, he predominately worked on the Golden Gate Bridge. On average the Bridge would produce anywhere from four to six individuals displaying suicidal ideation each month. During his time patrolling the Bridge, Briggs helped over 200 people back over its railing to safety. During his presentation, he spoke about his experience while working the Bridge including his negotiation techniques, a self-care pyramid he calls his “Quality of Life Triad,” he even shared an account with a young man whom he was unable to save. He spoke about the effect that his death by suicide has had on his family and the lifelong struggles they still face.

On behalf of The Kim Foundation, we would like to thank the 420 people who came out to show their support. We would also like to thank Sgt. Briggs for sharing his experiences and for his commitment to suicide prevention. We look forward to hearing him speak again in March at the National Council of Behavioral Health Conference in Nevada!

About Jill Sauser, The Kim Foundation Project Coordinator

Jill graduated with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Speech Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2009. During her time at UNO, she completed a two year PR practicum program where she worked with numerous nonprofit clients including the MS Society, The Archdiocese of Omaha, The Omaha Food Bank, and YWCA. Since becoming Project Coordinator at The Kim Foundation in April 2014, she has become an active member of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition, The Omaha Metro Hoarding Taskforce, the Early Childhood Mental Health Coalition, the Metro Area LOSS Team, and is helping lead a community-wide health improvement initiative with the Douglas County Health Department called, “Just Reach Out,” which is focused on improving the people’s view on mental and behavioral health treatment.