Former professional baseball player Drew Robinson will share his personal story as a mental health advocate and suicide attempt survivor on Thursday, May 9, at 5 PM at College of Marin’s Diamond Physical Education Center (700 College Avenue, Kentfield). College of Marin is co-hosting this free community event with Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Buckelew Programs, Marin County Office of Education, Equip Sports, and Rotary Club of Novato. There will be a meet-and-greet session with Robinson, community resources, and prizes.
Robinson played for two major league teams before he attempted suicide in 2020 and lost the use of his right eye. He recovered and returned to pro baseball, wearing a prosthetic eye, with the San Francisco Giants’ affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. He retired in 2021 and works now for the Giants as a mental health advocate.
Along with Robinson’s powerful, first-person story, the Marin County BHRS and Buckelew Programs, which operates the local 988 lifeline call center, are releasing a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline campaign that includes a series of personal stories by Marin men who talk openly about mental health, the power of hope, and the importance of connection to resources, such as the 988 Lifeline. The campaign called “Hope & Help” also has an interactive toolkit available for use by community agencies across the county.
While ‘Hope and Help’ is a campaign promoting support and tools to navigate well-being for people that self-identify as men, there are lessons in the program for everyone. If you are struggling, make a connection and ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if someone you know needs support.
See the Marin County May Mental Health Month news release, full list of May Mental Health Month events and the Hope and Help partner toolkit on the Marin BHRS website.
If you or someone you know is in distress, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, go to 988lifeline.org or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Marin residents seeking behavioral health services can call the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Marin BHRS provides outpatient, residential, crisis services, and hospital care addressing specialty mental health and substance use service needs of Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured residents.