WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Active Minds student chapter, Department of Psychology, Volunteer and Civic Engagement, Capital Scholars Honors Program and Counseling Center will host the nationally touring Send Silence Packing display. The all-day display inspires action for suicide prevention and connects participants with local and national mental health resources. Send Silence Packing encourages conversations that contribute to a positive community climate for mental health.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17

WHERE: UIS Student Union Student Leadership Center, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Send Silence Packing exhibit uses backpacks paired with personal stories, photos and videos to honor those lost to suicide and raise awareness about its impact. Many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one. Visitors are invited to walk among the display, reflect on the stories shared and add their own messages of hope to an interactive wall.

The display was created by Active Minds, a national nonprofit organization that supports mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds has a presence at more than 800 campuses, schools, communities and workplaces nationwide, and is dedicated to ending the silence and changing the conversation around mental health.