(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)April 25, 2011

(MAHWAH, NJ) – In an effort to shed light on the tragedy of college student suicide and start a dialogue about a heavily stigmatized topic, Active Minds at Ramapo College of New Jersey will be hosting Send Silence Packing, a public education display of 1,100 donated backpacks representing the 1,100 college students lost to suicide each year on Wednesday, April 27. 

“Few people realize that suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses and is erasing the future of so many of our peers,” said Active Minds chapter president Jessica Parascando “We are so honored to host Send Silence Packing.  The display will provide a powerful opportunity to raise awareness at Ramapo College and let every student know that if they are depressed or suicidal they are not alone and there is help.”

Send Silence Packing was developed by Active Minds, Inc., the leading voice for college student mental health in the United States.  The national organization has collected and continues to collect backpacks and personal stories in memory of loved ones lost to suicide.  By displaying backpacks with personal stories that put a ‘face’ to the lives lost to suicide, Send Silence Packing carries the message that preventing suicide is not just about lowering statistics, but about saving the lives of students, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends across the nation.

The exhibit will be on display at the Arch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the display will be held indoors at the Bradley Center. The group will be passing out information about mental health, student suicide, and where to go to seek help. At 3 p.m., there will be a Walk for Wellness.

“Together we can save lives,” said Jessica Parascando, Active Minds chapter president.
Members of the media may contact Anna Farneski at 201-684-6844 or at afarnesk@ramapo.edu

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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