Counseling and Consultation Services is proud to be partnering with Active Minds (activeminds.org), the nation’s leading nonprofit working to change the culture around mental health, to bring Send Silence Packing (activeminds.org/ssp) to NIU. Send Silence Packing is an exhibit that inspires action around suicide by sending the message that you are not alone, help is available, and we each play a critical role in changing the culture around mental health. 

We invite you to explore the backpack display on October 10, 2024, 9 AM to 4 PM, at MLK Commons (Rain Location: OASIS Pit) and to visit Behind the Backpacks (activeminds.org/backpacks), an interactive virtual experience that shares powerful audio stories and engaging, action-oriented ideas for how to change the culture around mental health in your community.

Please note the display explores themes of mental health and suicide and includes personal stories of people who have been lost to suicide. We will have mental health professionals available to speak to onsite in the event that the experience evokes distress. If you would like to avoid the display, please follow the “Alternative Route” signs on the outer edge of the display.