The seventh annual Journey of Hope event will feature keynote speaker Kevin Briggs focusing on the developing relationship between law enforcement and citizens with mental health challenges.
Journey of Hope, an inspiring and educational mental wellness forum, will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, at New Life Church in Pismo Beach, CA. This is a free event, open to the public and reservations are not required.
Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) nicknamed the “Guardian of the Golden Gate.” Briggs predominately worked on the Bridge — an assignment that would prove to be very challenging as the Golden Gate Bridge produced an average of four to six suicidal persons, multiple traffic collisions, and dozens of other law enforcement “calls” each month.
Sergeant Briggs, through his compassion, gentle voice, eye contact, and his innate ability of listening to understand encouraged more than 200 individuals over his career to either not go over the bridge’s rail or come back to solid ground from where they had been standing precariously out on the chord of the bridge and start a new chapter in their life.
“People who come to jump don’t necessarily want to die,” explains Briggs, 50, who calmly introduces himself just a few feet away to the despondent person, in his dedication often standing for hours in bone-chilling wind, rain, or heavy fog.
“I try to find out what brought them to this point,” says Briggs, a cancer survivor and father of two boys. “If I can get them to break down, that’s a good sign. It shows they’re listening and thinking. If someone says they have no plan for tomorrow, I say, ‘OK, let’s make one.’”
After a 23 year career with the California Highway Patrol, Briggs retired to dedicate his life to promote mental health awareness across the globe through Pivotal Points, an organization he founded to promote Suicide Prevention, Crisis Management, and Leadership Skills.
His book, Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair was published in July 2015.
The Journey of Hope forum will include a local resources and mental health services fair. Attendees seeking services and/or information for themselves or someone else are welcome to visit with representatives from over 30 local agencies and county departments.
The program will also feature an award ceremony honoring local law enforcement for their efforts in supporting mental health in our community. The Pathway to Excellence Award will be presented to Jim Fellows and Jeremy Behrens of the Community Action Team in recognition and appreciation to the commitment of strengthening our community by helping to address the needs of those who are most vulnerable. The Legacy of Leadership Award will be presented to Cathy Bianchi and Denise Braun for exceptional involvement is supporting, developing and sustaining mental health training for law enforcement in our community.
Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered through the Community Counseling Center (MFTs and/or LCSWs) and the Center for Family Strengthening (RNs).
Journey of Hope is hosted by Transitions-Mental Health Association’s Peer Advisory & Advocacy Team and Family Services. Co-sponsored by San Luis Obispo County’s Behavioral Health Department with funds provided by the Mental Health Services Act. Special thanks to the Central Coast Psychological Association (CCPA), CenCal Health and PG&E for their funding contributions and community collaborator Restorative Partners.
For more information about this event, visit www.t-mha.org.
