Raising awareness of student suicides

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Suicide claims more than 1,000 college students each year. Students at Buffalo State gathered Wednesday to raise awareness for the issue.

It was a powerful display that really gave a face to suicide. It's amazing how an everyday item used by students can send a message that words cannot. The backpacks represent something so tragic that people like Kathy Mills became emotional.

"Thank God my three, I have college grads, and thankfully they made it through, and a lot of students do, but unfortunately look at the ones who don't," said Mills.

A traveling exhibit of 1,100 backpacks filled a room in the Student Union at Buffalo State College, representing the number of college students who commit suicide each year nationwide. It was shocking to see it displayed in this way.

MacKintosh Barker said, "It blows my mind that each backpack represents a life."

Paula Madrigal helped to bring the tour to Buffalo. Each pack is dedicated to the memory of a student who took their life.

"As a student, you're so close with your peers, you feel for each person and to think this could be anybody, it's just so touching and moving," said Madrigal.

The exhibit is sponsored by a group called Active Minds. It's a national organization that promotes mental health. Part of the "Send Silence Packing" campaign includes statistics. Two-thirds of students who need help don't receive it. At Buff State, there's been an increase in the number of students getting help for mental health issues, including depression.

Director of Student Life Gail Wells said, "With bullying and things that happen, getting a job, paying for college, there can be a number of reasons students get depressed."

The symbolism seemed to serve its purpose, igniting a powerful conversation, now happening on campus. Buff State was the midway point of this 14 city tour.

Counselors are a big part of the event, and were on hand, talking to students who came to visit the exhibit. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. To learn more about the backpacks display, follow this link.