OHIO’s Counseling and Psychological Services to host Send Silence Packing installation
Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services will host Send Silence Packing on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m on College Green. Send Silence Packing is an event run by Active Minds, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting mental health education across colleges nation-wide.
The founder of Active Minds, Alison Malmon, was a third-year student at the University of Pennsylvania when she tragically lost her only sibling, 22-year-old Brian Malmon, to suicide. Since then, it’s been Alison’s mission to open up the conversation about suicide prevention and mental health resources.
Send Silence Packing’s installation is made up of hundreds of backpacks that represent the 1,100 college students who die by suicide each year. Each backpack contains personal stories shared by those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Trained professionals will also be available to educate about on- and off-campus mental health resources
“A tragedy like suicide sends a ripple throughout campus; it impacts all of us,” said Jenny Hall-Jones, senior associate vice president and dean of students. “It is truly humbling to see a family who experiences devastating loss turn that personal tragedy into opportunities and resources that will greatly impact student life at Ohio University. Exhibits like Send Silence Packing are crucial to campus culture because it gets us talking about tough issues like suicide. Dialogue is a first step in prevention.”
Students are encouraged to attend Send Silence Packing to find support for themselves and show solidarity with their peers who are struggling with their mental health. Join students, staff and faculty to show that OHIO takes mental health seriously and honor the lives of those who have died by suicide.
Send Silence Packing at Ohio University is sponsored by the Ross Griffin Memorial Foundation in collaboration with the Dean of Students and Development Office. In case of inclement weather, the location will move to the Baker University Center lounges on the first, third and fifth floors. Those interested in volunteering for this event can contact Justin Wheeler, clinical social worker at CPS, by email at wheelel2@ohio.edu.
Counseling and Psychological Services can be reached 24/7 at 740-593-1616 for support. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(opens in a new window) is 1-800-273-8255. You can also text TALK to 741741 for free, anonymous 24/7 crisis support from the Crisis Text Line(opens in a new window).