UIS hosted the nationally touring Send Silence Packing display on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. The all-day event, held on the UIS quad, aimed to inspire action for suicide prevention and connect participants with local and national mental health resources. Organized by the UIS Active Minds student chapter, the Department of Psychology, the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, and the Counseling Center, the display encouraged conversations about creating a positive community climate for mental health.

The exhibit featured personal stories from those affected by suicide, raising awareness about mental health issues. Active Minds staff and volunteers were on hand to discuss the importance of recognizing the signs of suicide, intervening when someone is in distress, and seeking help when needed.

Media Coverage

• WICS-TV 20 - "The University of Illinois at Springfield is putting on a display at the UIS quad today for suicide prevention. The event connects students with mental health resources. The national nonprofit organization Active Minds created the display of personal stories, and the Springfield chapter of Active Minds helped host the event."
• WTAX Radio - "When someone dies by suicide, it takes a toll on the people left behind WTAX’s Dave Dahl talks to a University of Illinois Springfield student who lost a close friend. When someone close to you dies by suicide, the natural response is to think - What could I have done? What did I miss? How could I have stopped this?"