Why are there so many abandoned backpacks left outside the library?

It’s not a mistake.

The Wellness Center staff put them there to help draw attention to a serious student issue.

In the US, approximately 1100 college students die by suicide annually, and it is the second leading cause of death among college students.

 Surveys reveal that suicidal ideation is a common struggle.

• 2023�"2024: A Statista report indicates that 13% of U.S. college students experienced suicidal ideation in the past year, while 6% had a suicide plan, and 2% attempted suicide.
• Earlier studies: Findings from 2017�"2021 showed similar trends, with around 12% of students disclosing suicidal ideation

The Backpack Project is a suicide awareness and prevention program designed to raise awareness of the prevalence of suicide among college students and to encourage students to seek help for mental health issues.

On September 18^th, from 11 am to 2 pm, the Backpack Project will be on display outside the library. It features 110 backpacks, each representing ten student deaths by suicide. Along with the visual display of backpacks, printed information regarding suicide and information on local suicide prevention resources will be provided. Wellness Center mental health staff will be available to talk with students.

Important Note: The purpose of this event is to initiate conversations that can lead to reducing stigma and creating a climate for positive mental health throughout our campus community. However, the sensitive nature of the topic may evoke emotional distress in some students. We encourage students who may find the exhibit triggering to try to avoid the area on this day and to reach out for assistance if necessary: call the Wellness Center at (845) 341-4870 or call 311 after hours. The display will be set up off to the right of the library entrance so students may use the library without viewing the exhibit. They may also enter through the Gilman Center entrance.

Questions? Call the Wellness Center at (845) 341-4870 or email wellnesscenter@sunyorange.edu.