El Camino College to Sponsor “Send Silence Packing” Exhibit

Part of a suicide prevention and well-being fair, the traveling exhibit aims to end the silence surrounding mental health and promote recovery

El Camino College will present “Send Silence Packing,” a traveling, immersive exhibit that features the stories and voices of youth through their mental health journeys. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 1 in the Student Services Plaza and is part of El Camino’s “Saving Lives, Supporting Minds: A Suicide Prevention and Well-Being Fair” that runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that same day.

Through “Send Silence Packing,” participants are invited to hear stories of struggle and hope, including personal narratives from individuals who have been personally affected by suicide. These stories, along with elements of the display, are designed to illustrate the impact of suicide, while connecting individuals to mental health resources, and inspiring action for suicide prevention.

“With this event, we are working to create space for honest, destigmatizing conversations about suicide – conversations that are proven to support prevention efforts among college students,” said Susan Nilles, a nurse practitioner and coordinator of the El Camino College Student Health Center. “We are striving to build a student body that is more informed, compassionate, and proactive in reaching out – an essential step for preventing suicide and fostering a culture where no one struggles in silence.”

Sponsored by El Camino’s Student Health Services in partnership with the SEA/LGBTQIA+ Pride Center, the exhibit features 100 backpacks with stories about those who have been lost to suicide and survivors who share their own stories about hope and recovery. Visitors can also interact with a “Behind the Backpacks” kiosk that highlights stories/history of the backpacks, and an “A.S.K.” kiosk featuring a video created with MTV that offers a short training session demonstrating how to approach others/peers who might be struggling. All are invited to leave a note of reflection and/or encouragement on a specially designed “Hope Wall” and in a “Share Your Story Booth.”

A free lunch is available while supplies last. A Student Health Services psychologist will also be in attendance to provide support and answer questions.

Mental health issues are common among college students, with research showing that many students struggle to balance intense academic pressure, career anxiety, and the challenges of daily life. “Send Silence Packing” is one of many programs sponsored by El Camino’s Student Health Services, which offers a comprehensive list of services that promote physical and mental well-being. Personalized care from a team of medical practitioners, registered nurses, and clinical psychologists is available for eligible students at the Student Health Center, along with access to 24/7 crisis hotline care and emotional support from mental health professionals.

Additionally, the brand-new Center for Well-Being (located at the El Camino Commons) features a welcoming space where students can relax, recharge, and focus on self-care. Students can enjoy calming activities, quiet areas for reflection, and find creative ways to support their mental and emotional well-being.

For more information, contact El Camino College Student Health Services: www.elcamino.edu/StudentHealthServices.