The Hartford Partners with Active Minds to Address Mental Health at UConn

On October 8, 2025, The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. made headlines by collaborating with Active Minds to bring the impactful Send Silence Packing® exhibit to the University of Connecticut (UConn). This interactive installation, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to elevate awareness surrounding mental health issues among college students. Featuring 100 backpacks, each carrying a unique mental health story, the exhibit is part of a larger effort to foster conversations on mental health and well-being among youth.

Christopher Swift, Chairman and CEO of The Hartford, emphasized the importance of taking action to support mental health, particularly for the younger generation. “The future of work depends on action now,” Swift stated. “By sharing these powerful stories of survival and resilience, we hope to inspire action and meaningful conversations to support those in need.” This initiative aligns with The Hartford’s broader commitment to education and community partnerships, as they strive to build a more resilient future for everyone.

The press release highlighted alarming statistics from The Hartford’s 2025 Future of Benefits Study, revealing that 40% of Generation Z workers experience feelings of depression or anxiety multiple times a week. Additionally, 46% of these young individuals report that stigma prevents them from seeking the mental health care they need. This data underscores the urgent need for initiatives like Send Silence Packing, which aim to address these challenges head-on.

Brandi Pretlow, Vice President of Community Initiatives at Active Minds, expressed the significance of the exhibit. “Every backpack in this exhibit represents a story that deserves to be heard,” she remarked. By hosting Send Silence Packing at UConn, the organization aims to break the silence surrounding mental health struggles while empowering students to care for themselves and each other. “With partners like The Hartford, we are championing a new era of mental health with the message that hope and help are always possible,” Pretlow added.

The University of Connecticut is actively involved in supporting this initiative, with mental health professionals from UConn’s Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) team present at the event. Kristina Stevens, LCSW and Director of Mental Health at UConn, stated, “Send Silence Packing is the latest way UConn is helping students feel seen and supported.” The university is committed to fostering an environment where mental health discussions are encouraged and supported.

This initiative is part of The Hartford’s ongoing support for UConn. Earlier this summer, the company announced a generous $500,000 gift to the UConn Foundation to help cover room and board costs for qualifying students. Furthermore, in 2021, The Hartford established The Hartford Scholars Program, investing $1 million to provide financial support and mentorship to 50 students at UConn Hartford. Many of these scholarship recipients have successfully graduated, demonstrating the positive impact of The Hartford’s contributions.

In addition to financial support, The Hartford's commitment to community involvement was evident at the exhibit, with employees—including recent graduates and alumni—volunteering their time to help facilitate the event. This engagement showcases the company's dedication to not only supporting mental health initiatives but also fostering a culture of community service among its workforce.

The collaboration between The Hartford and Active Minds serves as a beacon of hope and support for mental health awareness among college students. By bringing the Send Silence Packing exhibit to UConn, both organizations are working to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage vital conversations about well-being. As the landscape of mental health continues to evolve, initiatives like these are essential in building a more supportive and resilient future for Generation Z and beyond.