The Send Silence Packing exhibit made its return to the University of Pennsylvania on September 10, aiming to spark important conversations about mental health. Organized by Active Minds, the exhibit features backpacks displayed on College Green, each representing individuals who have faced mental health challenges or lost their lives to suicide.
The event included various presentations from student and university groups, such as Wellness at Penn and the Penn Wellness Student Coalition. Active Minds, which has over 600 chapters nationwide, was founded at Penn by Alison Malmon in 2003 after the suicide of her brother.
Each backpack in the display shared a poignant story of hope or loss, emphasizing the duality of mental health experiences. “These two types of stories are two sides of the same coin… there is hope and help available,” remarked Shreyas Raorane, a first-year master’s student in robotics.
Mellisa Hopely-Rice, program director of CogWell at Penn, highlighted the significance of these narratives, noting their potential to inspire the campus community. She emphasized the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health and seeking help.
This year, the exhibit’s entrance faced outward towards College Green to engage more passersby, a decision that was deemed successful. Attendees also contributed to a “wall of hope,” sharing positive messages that resonated with the community.
Batsirai Bvunzawabaya, director of integrated care initiatives at Wellness at Penn, stressed the importance of ensuring students are aware of available mental health resources, especially following a series of tragic losses on campus. She encouraged students to utilize services like the Reach-A-Peer Helpline and various counseling options.
The exhibit serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the resources available to support students in need.
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