WVU to host Send Silence Packing display to raise suicide, mental health awareness

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Join the WVU community from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Woodburn Circle as we gather to inspire action for suicide prevention, destigmatize mental health and connect community members to local and national resources.

The WVU Carruth Center has teamed up with Active Minds to host the 2023 Send Silence Parking exhibit, an immersive experience that illustrates the stories of youth as they guide participants through their mental health journeys. Participants will walk among 100 backpacks to see photographs and read the stories from those affected by suicide.

“We are pleased to partner with Active Minds and many WVU colleges, departments and student organizations to bring this powerful exhibit back to campus,” said T. Anne Hawkins, director of the Carruth Center. “We hope that students, faculty, staff and other community members will take the time to engage in this immersive experience to learn more about the importance of seeking help for mental health concerns and resources available.

The exhibit will also include a “Behind the Backpacks” tent where participants can engage in an immersive audio storytelling experience and a “Hope Wall" to reflect and write uplifting messages.

Counselors from the Carruth Center will also be on hand to answer questions and/or discuss mental health concerns along with educational materials and information on mental health and suicide resources.

The rain location is the Vandalia Lounge inside the Mountainlair.