Students (Photo: Active Minds)
Marquette University is hosting a national showcase aimed at preventing suicides. The “Send Silence Packing” display today features 11,000 backpacks representing those college students who took their own life, 75 of the packs contain profiles of the victims.
The event is coordinated by a student group encouraging discussion of mental health issues. “I believe suicide is the 11th leading cause of death but for college students it is the third leading cause of death.” says Danielle Strauss, President of the university’s Active Minds chapter.
Strauss says numerous campus resources are available to college students such as counseling, but a “stigma” too often prevents people from seeking help they need.
MU is one of ten locations nationwide chosen for the display. The tour is funded by a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.
Brian Moon reports (:57)