On March 21, 2017 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Alcorn State’s Suicide Prevention, Awareness and Reach through Kognito (SPARK), Counselor Services and Active Minds came together to sponsor the event Send Silence Packing. It was an event that brought awareness to suicide and it also helped to attract students who might be seeking help. There was a display of backpacks spread throughout the Campus Green by the cafeteria. These backpacks served to show the many lives that are lost because of suicide. On the backpacks were names of victims who committed suicide and their reasons.
Send Silence Packing is part of a tour that goes around to many different college campuses during the Fall and Spring semesters. It was founded in 2008 by Alison Malmon who dedicated it to her brother who committed suicide. The tour went to seventeen schools in the Fall and plans to go to 14 more this Spring. Send Silence Packing is part of a much bigger organization which is Active Minds. This is just one of the many events that Active Minds’ hosts.
Many faculty, staff and students came out and viewed the backpacks spread out along the campus green. Yneka Myers, a Junior Psychology major from Jackson, Mississippi stated, “I think this event is very helpful. You never know what a person might be experiencing in life so be mindful of the things that you say and do to someone.” Robert Schicker, one of the sponsors who is from Burlington, Vermont, said, “Talk to someone. Get some help. You’re not alone and you do not have to suffer in isolation.’’
Every year, more than 11,000 college students will commit suicide. The cause is usually unknown because it was unsuspected. That is why suicide should be a matter that should be brought up so people who are thinking about it can get the help they need.
If you are someone who is thinking about suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255. It is available 24 hours everyday or you can contact Alcorn’s Counseling Services at (601) 877-6230.