Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — On Monday, Nov. 17, the University of Illinois Springfield welcomed the nationally recognized Send Silence Packing exhibit, a powerful visual display aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health support.

The event took place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Student Leadership Center inside the UIS Student Union, located at 2251 Richard Wright Drive.

The exhibit was organized by the Active Minds student chapter, in partnership with the Department of Psychology, Volunteer and Civic Engagement, Capital Scholars Honors Program, and the Counseling Center. Faculty and students involved in the planning were available throughout the day to speak with visitors and media.

Isabell Durham a grad intern at the University Counseling Center said warning signs “are dependent on the person, some of the most common warning signs are a removing of themselves from the things they were always involved in” and “their ability to interact in life.”

Send Silence Packing featured a striking arrangement of backpacks, each accompanied by personal stories, photos, and videos honoring individuals lost to suicide. Many of the backpacks had been donated by families who experienced such loss. Attendees walked through the display, reflected on the stories, and added their own messages of hope to an interactive wall.

Created by Active Minds, a national nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and education for young adults, the exhibit has traveled to hundreds of campuses and communities across the country. Its goal is to break the silence surrounding mental health struggles and foster a supportive environment for open dialogue.

Active Minds has a presence at more than 800 locations nationwide, continuing its mission to change the conversation around mental health and promote suicide prevention.

More information about the exhibit is available at activeminds.org/programs/send-silence-packing.