EIU Media Relations

EIU to host 2024 Active Minds Send Silence Packing® Exhibit

Volunteers sought for traveling exhibit that aims to end silence surrounding mental health and suicide

(Charleston, IL)  – For more than a decade, Active Minds’ acclaimed Send Silence Packing® exhibit has traveled the country to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide and connect visitors with resources for support and action. This year, the exhibit travels to Eastern Illinois University’s Charleston, Illinois-based campus.

The 2024 display will be at the Booth Library quad from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, September 26. The all-day exhibit includes personal stories from individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide and is designed to raise awareness about the impact of suicide, connect individuals to mental health resources, and inspire action for suicide prevention. Passersby are invited to walk among the Send Silence Packing backpacks to see the photographs and read the stories attached to them. Many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one to suicide.

Those interested in volunteering to assist with setup and teardown of this national exhibit are encouraged to contact the Office of Leadership and Engagement via eiu.edu/leadership or reach out to the Health Education Resource Center (HERC) staff at herc@eiu.edu. Students, staff, faculty and interested community members are encouraged to volunteer. In the event of inclement weather, the exhibit will be displayed in EIU’s South Quad Commons. 

A variety of mental health assistance resources for EIU students is available at eiu.edu/mentalhealth. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 988 or call the LifeLinks toll free Crisis Line at (866) 567-2400.