News

By Alex Freeman, MCC Communications Coordinator

As a leading voice in mental health advocacy, Active Minds shares its acclaimed Send Silence Packing® exhibit with communities across the country to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide and connect visitors with resources for support and action. 

In response to the community's call for more mental health support in the recent Community Health Needs Assessment, Corewell Health, Montcalm Community College (MCC) and Montcalm Care Network partnered to bring the 2025 exhibit, a display of backpacks representing college students who have died by suicide, to MCC on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“This exhibit will raise awareness about the impact of suicide, encourage open conversations about mental health, and provide vital resources that empower our students and communities to seek help and support one another,” said Tracy Zamarron, MCC Dean of Health and Human Services. “Hosting this exhibit reflects MCC’s deep commitment to student well-being and to strengthening our partnerships in suicide prevention.” 

The all-day exhibit features personal stories from individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide and is designed to raise awareness about the impact of suicide, connect individuals to mental health resources, and inspire action for suicide prevention. Passersby are invited to walk among the Send Silence Packing backpacks to view the photographs and read the stories attached to them. Many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one to suicide. 

“Mental health is something our community has told us they need more support for,” said Haley Tracy, community health program specialist at Corewell Health. “We’re bringing Send Silence Packing to MCC so we can all come together and find new ways to connect and care for one another. Everyone is welcome and we hope our community will join us for this event, where we can share, listen and support one another as we work to end the stigma surrounding mental health together.” 

The exhibit is set to take place along the sidewalks between the Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building and the Activities Building. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place in the gymnasium. Along with the backpack exhibit, the event will feature a resource tent, hope wall, A.S.K experience (acknowledge, support, keep-in-touch) and a booth where visitors can share their story. The event will also feature a recently launched exhibit, Behind the Backpacks. This virtual, immersive experience gives visitors an in-depth look at the impact of suicide through personal stories, stigma reduction techniques and visual components such as videos, photos and audio. 

“Send Silence Packing is a powerful initiative dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health,” said Audrey Fleming, Prevention Outreach Specialist at Montcalm Care Network. “With one in five people experiencing a mental health condition, this program services as a vital reminder that it’s OK to not be OK — and that no one should ever feel alone in their struggle. By sparking conversations and sharing stories, Send Silence Packing encourages hope, connection, and healing.” 

The Send Silence Packing exhibit was made possible by generous donations from Corewell Health’s Healthier Communities, Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan and MCC. 

For more information, visit activeminds.org/sendsilencepacking.