According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 50,000 people in America alone fell victim to suicide in 2023.
To raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention and mental health, Rogers State University will host the “Send Silence Packing” exhibit May 1 on the Claremore campus.
“Send Silence Packing is a traveling exhibit that raises awareness about suicide and suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of mental health,” said Roxanne Bilby, RSU drug prevention coordinator. “This exhibit is one that travels the country in an effort to end the silence that oftentimes surrounds mental illness and suicide, opening the door for much-needed conversations.”
The exhibit displays numerous backpacks on which individual stories of those whose lives have been affected by suicide are attached, personalizing the statistics, and serving as a catalyst for conversations that contribute to a community’s overall positive climate for mental health.
“Even though the stories on the backpacks are of real people whose lives have been impacted by suicide, they are all reviewed and revised in accordance with evidence-based public health practices and any details which would be deemed inappropriate are omitted,” she said. “Even so, this is an impactful, affecting experience – one which we hope will serve to break down the barrier of silence when it comes to talking about mental health.”
In addition to the exhibit, Bilby said that mental health resources, representatives from GRAND Mental Health, 988, the Tristesse Grief Center and licensed counselors would be available that day to speak with students about their services.
“We hope everyone makes time to be a part of this exhibit. Even though the subject matter may be uncomfortable and deeply personal for some, it’s a reality that exists and one that should be talked about,” Bilby said.
Send Silence Packing will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center.
Rogers State University offers counseling services to students. Call 918-343-7845 to schedule an appointment or for more information. You may also visit www.rsu.edu/counseling to schedule an appointment or learn more.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or need help with other mental health concerns, call 988, the 24/7 national mental health helpline, or call 911.
For more information about Send Silence Packing, visit www.activeminds.org/programs/send-silence-packing.
For more information about Rogers State University, visit www.rsu.edu.
